TNAG-1514-FCO40-2072-Shipping-in-Hong-Kong-1986 — Page 37

CONFIDENTIAL

Dealing with Shortages

above,

consideration

is being given to the

39 As explained

identified problems on meeting defence needs from the merchant navy

minesweepers, product tankers, and a heavy-lift vessel. If other

problems arise or are seen to be coming, they will be considered

individually. The range of possible measures include the following:

a. Using a type of ship other than that hitherto envisaged.

This would generally be the first line

first line to be explored. It

could involve modification of requirement and of vessels used,

in peace-time or at a time of emergency.

b.

Using ships registered outside the UK. Clear possibilities

are vessels registered in other NATO states (there are already

limited UK arrangements with some NATO nations for contribution

of their ships to reinforcement), ships registered in dependent

territories and British-controlled foreign-flag ships.

would be for consideration in any particular case how trading

patterns, crewing arrangements and other factors bore on

defence requirements.

It

c. Change the requirement. Some needs for merchant shipping

could be avoided. For example, action is already in hand to

preposition munitions and equipment on the Continent, and there

is scope to extend this option; alternatively, a sea move might

be replaced by an air move.

d.

Purchase ships. Such ships could be new or second-hand,

and could be for lay-up in a reserve fleet, or for

for peace-time

operation by the Royal Fleet Auxiliary or the Royal Navy

itself. Special planning for the crewing of laid-up ships

would be necessary.

CONFIDENTIAL