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MINISTRY OF DEFENCE GF3
with
Main Building Whitehall London SW1A 2HB Telephone 01-218 143 (Direct Dialling).
01-218 9000
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Taken D/GF3/29/1/11/E
P Morrice
DECKOFFICER
REGISTRY
Hong Kong and General Department Foreign and Commonwealth Office
PA
AN
Date
see
April 1981
12
Dear Mr Morrice,
COLLISION BETWEEN RN HOVERCRAFT AND CHINESE GUNBOAT FEBRUARY 1980
1.
Mwilin
Madapt.
2716
You will doubtless recall that back in February last year a collision occurred
in Deep Bay, Hong Kong between an RN Hovercraft and a Chinese Gunboat.
2. An investigation into the circumstances of the accident_ revealed that responsibility for the collision lay with the Chinese Vessel.
3.
In the usual course of events we would have sought recovery for 25% of the cost of damage occasioned to the RN Hovercraft from the Chinese Government, the balance being recoverable from the Hong Kong Govt.
4. Bearing in mind the advise we received from your Department at the time however, to the effect that it would not be in HMG's political interests to pursue the question of compensation with the Chinese, this action was not taken. The total sum borne by MOD was £11,932.
5.
We have now had an opportunity to consider this matter in detail and it occurs to us the expenditure referred to above is not proper to the Defence Budget. By agreeing not to pursue recovery from the Chinese we were in effect carrying out FCO policy. The reinforcement, of which the hovercraft was an element was of of course not part of the normal garrison task to which the Defence Costs Agreement applies. For this reason we believe that the bill of £11,932 is a more appropriate charge to your Department.
6. We would be grateful for your agreement to meet this cost as soon as possible.
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Sincer
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Copy to: Civ Sec BFHK
NL
Claims DS5
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