GF 323
CONFIDENTIAL ##
機密
ANNEX C TO XCC(78)91
A Summary of the Considerations taken into account in Naval Staff Target whether the Hong Kong Squadron should compromise a frigate or a Patrol Craft Force or a Mixed Force.
Normal peacetime operations dictate that at all times one craft will require to be on patrol or at two hours notice and a second craft at four hours notice.
2.
Two frigates would be insufficient to ensure that one craft could be on patrol or at short notice for sea. Furthermore a force consisting of frigates only would be unable to operate in the shallow or very confined areas of Hong Kong waters.
The study, therefore, was based on either a frigate and patrol craft mix or patrol craft only.
Frigate
4.
The existing M.O.D. (Navy) allocation of vessels makes no provision for a frigate as a Hong Kong guardship. Provision of a permanent guardship would, therefore, involve running on an old frigate otherwise due for disposal.
5.
To man an additional frigate and 3 patrol craft would necessitate additional manpower beyond the RN's present agreed manning levels worldwide. It would be necessary to increase HMS Tamar's engineering support, together with appropriate ammunition and stores support.
The estimate of costs for a mixed frigate and 3 patrol craft squadron are as follows:-
6.
Capital costs
(No allowance has been included for the capital cost of the frigate)
Annual running costs
€16. 00 m.
Frigate
£ 3.
3 Patrol craft
£ 1.
35
05
11
Base
£ 2. 66
Total
£ 6. 82
Patrol Craft Force
7.
New patrol craft built specifically to meet the threat and operational concept would be at least as good, and in many respects more acceptable, than the existing squadron or, indeed, a mixed squadron. This option is considered to have no operational disadvantages.
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