TNAG-0904-FCO40-1114-Immigration-from-China-to-Hong-Kong-1979 — Page 17

1

Pr Quantrill

Mr

McLaren

Mr McLaren Muure

CONFIDENTIAL

Reference..

HKK 341/1

GI

jolis 43

folio 45

folio 4

REINFORCEMENT FOR HONG KONG HONG KONG TELNO 439 at folio 60]

folio60]

1. I have been in touch with DS5 (Royal Navy) and DS6 (Army) to discover current MOD thinking on providing reinforcement for Hong Kong to combat increased levels of immigration and the growing problem

of refugees • Hong Kong tel no. 2. Miss Williams, DS5, was able to confirm that approval had been given for CAPIC, Hong Kong, to make use of the tug Clare (see attached telegrams). However, following this decision there seems little chance of a frigate being detached from service in the NATO area and deployed to Hong Kong. In Hong Kong telegram No 353, the Governor proposes that should this not be possible, the RN Group due to visit Singapore in October should afterwards sail on to Hong Kong. Miss Williams explained that originally this Group had been destined for CENTO manoeuvres in the Middle East but, with the dissolution of CENTO, a new programme was being discussed at this very moment. The alternatives were:

(i) an early return home;

(ii) goodwill visits to the Gulf; and

(iii) to bring forward the proposed visit to China and

have the Group visit Hong Kong and Shanghai.

There seems to be little support for option (iii) in MOD circles. However, the matter had been referred to our Defence Department. On checking with Defence Department, I was able to discover that the matter had been referred to FED and that Mr Fursland, while welcoming any visit by the Royal Navy to China at any time, preferred that it should take place in 1980 when more vessels would become available. I have agreed with Defence Department that they should withhold their reply to the MOD until tomorrow evening so that, if we feel strongly on the matter, we can make our opinions known.

3.

Major Skidmore, DS6, reported that CBF Hong Kong was happy with the current strength of the Garrison, at least until June when, as the Governor indicated in Hong Kong telegram No 352, the situation would be eviewed. Mr Aves, DS6, later confirmed this.

4. When I pointed out that Mr McLaren would be leaving for Hong Kong after Easter and would need to brief the Governor, Mr Aves replied that Mr Dromgoole would probably be available for discussion next week. If for reason that was not - the case;

HKK

he would be happy to take Mr Drongoole's place. HKK 341ll

draft telegram for Hong Kong.

5. I attach

31

CODE 18-77

1thing

i

по

25.4

NA Ling

5 April 1979

Hong Kong and General Department

N.B. Mr Dromgoole's better to Mr Murray is at folio $6.

Mr Murray's reply

is at folis 55.

CONFIDENTIAL

Although