TNAG-0758-FCO40-962-Strength-of-UK-armed-forces-stationed-in-Hong-Kong-1978 — Page 8

SECRET/LOCSEN

(3) Various motor gunboats fitted with 25 mm guns

in twin mountings, with maximum speeds of 18 knots.

Vessels of the Public Security Bureau.

These are about

9 to 12 m in length and usually armed with 14.5 mm heavy machine

guns with an estimated speed of 15 knots.

c.

Militia Junks. Armed with heavy machine guns and small

arms, with speeds in the region of 15 knots.

d.

Steel hulled coasters.

30 m in length, probably capable

of 10-15 knots and, to date, armed with a 4" gun with a maximum

effective range of 6,000 m.

10. The Future

a.

To date, illegal immigrants have usually either relied on concealment in junks, sampans or home made rafts to evade the Security Forces of both

make the sides, or have stolen or hijacked vessels in Chinese waters to journey to Hong Kong. A significant number cross the bay areas by swimming using home made floating aids. However, as detection methods improve and more entry routes are blocked the incidence of highjacking is likely to increase and concerted efforts will be made to outpace or outmanoeuvre security vessels. In these circumstances, security force operations will be degraded unless it is possible to communicate secure operational intelligence direct to police military patrols ashore and any light aircraft or helicopters in

support.

b. In the longer term, it is difficult to forecast the threat towards the end of the century. In particular, the future of the New Territories after 1997, when the present Lease runs out, could be a significant future consideration

for the role of the Patrol Craft.

OPERATIONAL CONCEPT

OPERATIONAL CONTROL

11.

The Patrol Craft come under the Operational Control of CAPIC Hong Kong as part of his responsibility to the Commander British Forces for OPCON of all permanent Naval Forces at Hong Kong. The latter has the following additional Operational

Responsibilities:

a.

OPCON in the Sea Defence Area (within 50 nm of Kowloon Clock Tower) Search and Rescue in the Hong Kong Flight Information Region (out to 400 nm offshore).

b.

4 SECRET/LOCSEN