TNAG-1632-FCO40-2248-Ministerial-visits-from-the-UK-to-Hong-Kong--including-visit-1987 — Page 353

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UK EYES A

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LOOSE MINUTE

D Cts Staff (R) 76/2.51

7 Jan 87

See Distribution

DCTS: R.35/87/264

& JANTX7

ACDSIN

CONSOLIDATED UK CONTRIBUTION TO 1988 FPDA EXERCISE

Reference:

A.

B.

1.

CDS/1227/15 dated 21 Oct 86.

DASB&C 2535 dated 6 Nov 86.

For some time now members of the FPDA, notably Malaysia and Singapore, have been expressing the wish that the UK make a more tangible contribution to the FPDA Exercise programme. These views were re-iterated during CDS's visit to Malaysia and Singapore in Oct 86 (and during other high level visits in 86).

2.

The Follow-Up Action section of CDS' Far East Visit Report (Reference A) contained the following observations:

3.

a. Support for FPDA/Deployment of Tornado to Korat. There is a need to ensure no relaxation of efforts in support of FPDA exercises. It is particularly evident that continued involvement in Ex STARFISH is vital and that the deployment of Tornados in support of IADS should be given increased priority... Deployment will be expensive and the value could be improved by conducting dissimilar air combat training, using the Air Combat Manoeuvring Instrument (ACMI) range at Korat in Thailand prior to or after IADS involvement.

Following tasking by Reference A, D Cts ROW and D Cts Ex have liaised with the DAs in Malaysia, Singapore, Australia and New Zealand to clarify the potential for a consolidated and significant UK contribution to a future major FPDA exercise.

4. Current indications are that a major effort in 1987 would be inappropriate for a variety of reasons. However, a significant effort in 1988 may be feasible and could be cost-effective if linked to the potential Global 88 RN deployment and to possible UK participation in the Australian Bi-Centennial Celebrations that year. The scheduling of a significant UK contribution in Autumn 88 (Sep?) may prove to be the best way ahead for planning purposes. The following UK forces might be able to participate subject to scheduling/re-scheduling:

ROW 47(16)1

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UK EYES A

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