TNAG-0852-FCO40-1062-Visits-of-Royal-Navy-ships-to-Hong-Kong-and-China-1979 — Page 45

CORPIDENTIAL

• CONFIDENTIAL-

to invite the FCO to ensure that the Hong Kong Government is made aware of the factors underlying the NPWSC's consideration of the surface NPW and SS N aspects. There may also be a case for setting the record straight at this stage and I will be seeking the FCOS advice on whether retrospective action is needed.

8.

To sum up, therefore

The key to increased usage of the Hong Kong NPW berths turns on the NPWSC's decision about future berth clearance criteria.

b. These are likely to be more stringent, and the prospect of achieving a substantial increase in

USN usage appears unencouraging at present.

c. A number of loose ends concerning the Hong Kong Government's awareness of and responsibility for NPW visits, including surface NPWs, remain to be cleared up: some can be cleared up now, but others must await the NPWSC's decision in a.

17May 1979

3

Maniuma/

M L SCICLUNA

DS16

MB 4175 6615 MB

Page 45Page 46