TNAG-1049-FCO40-1299-Reinforcement-of-UK-forces-in-Hong-Kong-1981 — Page 4

布政司署

香港下亞

畢道

CONFIDENTIAL

R+ch

with muft in 23.01

GOVERNMENT SECRETARIAT

LOWER ALBERT ROAD

HONG KONG

* OUR REF: (3) in SCR 7/1486/77 IV

來函檔號 Your REF :

16th November 1981

HKR

06213

4.

NOV 102

P J Williamson Esq

Hong Kong & General Department Foreign & Commonwealth Office London SW1A 2AH

Dear Patrick,

No

See

Naval Reinforcements: Hong Kong

८६८

4/12/1

von Taken

4/12 Pas 412

Hick 062/10 1982

HKK 062/21

In your letter of 14th November 1980 you conveyed to us MOD's agreement that Hovercraft Naval Party 1009 could remain in Hong Kong until the end of 1982, subject to review in January 1982. Under Annex A to the Memorandum of Understanding on the subject of the Defence Costs Agreement 1981, we are also committed to a review in 1982 of the continuing need for the Raiding Squadron Royal Marines.

2.

We

An operational review of NP 1009 comprising two hovercraft and crew has been conducted (ahead of time) because its contribution to anti-illegal immigration operations is now small following the dramatic change in the pattern of illegal immigration after the abandonment of the "reached base" policy. The review concludes that we no longer require NP 1009 to operate in Hong Kong. should therefore be grateful if you would convey this decision to MOD stating that it is agreed between all concerned here, including Commander British Forces, that the craft should be withdrawn as soon as this can be effected. We have noted MOD's interest in the possible sale of these vessels to Taiwan but trust that this idea will now be dropped in the light of our advice (your tele-

ник

gram 874 of 13th November refers).- MIK 176/1 (WP) 17/1

1901

48

1980

3.

At the same time our operational review has con- cluded that the Royal Marines continue to make a unique and valuable contribution to anti-illegal immigration operations, particularly against the speedboat threat and in the light of the persistent attempts being made by illegal immigrants to enter by sea. We therefore feel at this stage that we would like to see 3 RSRM's tour extended to December 1983 but subject to a further review to be conducted in September 1982.

CONFIDENTIAL

/..... 4.