TNAG-0758-FCO40-962-Strength-of-UK-armed-forces-stationed-in-Hong-Kong-1978 — Page 108

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CONFIDLI HAL

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Patrol Craft 4 of the 5 patrol craft have had an extended refit designed to prolong their life to the early 80's. The fifth should have undergone its refit in September, but this was deferred because of the proposed reduction of the squadron to 1 frigate and 3 patrol craft. All 5 will need to be replaced during the 1980's or undergo another extended refit ($4m. each at current prices). This means that capital replacement costs will not be payable during the first 5 year period (other than any design fees for future replacement), but the full capital i eplacement (or refit) costs would fall due thereafter. It is not possible, to cost patrol craft replacements without knowing exactly what new vessels the Navy would wish to purchase at the time and how many but because of the decision in favour of the frigate only, it is understood that no planning work has yet been done on this in MOD.

The design and manufacture would have to be approved by the Navy if the craft are to be Navý manned. Preliminary enquiries indicate that, depending on armament, speed, size and other specifications, suitable replacement craft could be pur- chased 'off-the-shelf' at prices ranging from £1 m. to £10 m. For purposes of illustration only, details of some of these craft are shown at Annex B. But decisions on patrol craft replacements cannot and need not be taken at this stage. If it is decided that the five patrol craft option (favoured by CBF and the Commo- dore) is more appropriate for Hong Kong, it is recommended that a separate exercise be carried out to review the marine activities of various government agencies (Marine Police, Marine Department, Immigration Department, Preven- tive Service), and to consider closer integration of these activities with the Royal Navy with a view to identifying the exact type and number of replacement vessels required eventually by each agency. It would also be for consideration at a later stage how the replacement costs of the R. N. patrol craft would fall to be shared by H. M. G. and Hong Kong.

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16.

COMPARISON OF OPTIONS

In spite of the fact that the two types of vessel complement each other to cover the primary and secondary role, it appears that a choice has to be made between the frigate or the patrol craft. This can be assisted by listing the relative advantages and disadvantages of each.

17.

(a)

Frigate Advantages

The advantages of the frigate can be summarised as follows :-

it provides a large and visible R, N. presence in Hong Kong waters thus providing a large deterrent so that escalation would require a conscious decision of the CPG;

it provides sophisticated command and control facilities for operations in Hong Kong and international waters, for sur- veilliance (e. g. anti-narcotics outside Hong Kong waters);

CONFIRE TIAL

/ its