TNAG-0852-FCO40-1062-Visits-of-Royal-Navy-ships-to-Hong-Kong-and-China-1979 — Page 47

CORP

18.77

Separate copies to:

Mr Tatham, MED Mr Smith, SEAD Mr Holloway, SAD

Mr Rosling, EAD Mr Masefield, FED

Mr Quantrill, HK&GD

THE DEPLOYMENT OF RN TASK GROUP 317.8

CONFIDENTIAL

DPG 0/6/2

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PACK 1761

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RECEIVED IN 27STEYRO, 53 - 8 MAY 1979

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1. I minuted to you on 20 December 1978 about the programme for Task Group 317.8 which is scheduled to leave UK on 8 May. The programme as originally conceived envisaged all ships of the Group participating in the annual CENTO Maritime Exercise MIDLINK in the North West Indian Ocean during the last fortnight of November. This was to be the only programme for these ships between the end of October when they are due to leave Malaysia and Singapore and 19 December when they are due to reach UK. We now have at least two spare weeks which could be used for additional visits. I attach a draft letter to MOD containing some suggestions as to how this time might best be used. I should be grateful for your comments.

3 May 1979

Relin A. Manor

CA Munro

Defence Department

twr.Ling. Mr Williamson J4.

sely this draft contradicts the bid that Defence Dept have already made on our behalf for one ship at least to goto Hong Kong in October/November, not will standing the proposed task q

next year? 57375

CONFIDENTIAL