TNAG-1638-FCO40-2282-Future-of-Hong-Kong-withdrawal-of-the-British-garrison-1987 — Page 101

LOCSEN

SECRET UK EYES A

also

only is necessary to fulfil the anti-II responsibility and

However,

would satisfy the remaining 2 requirements in parallel. huo, withdrawal of

2 PC are already redundant, but their withdrawal immediately

after the deployment of MARPOL's first 2 new SC launches in

1987 would be unrealistically premature. In particular, it

would have significant repercussions with regard to the sensitive

issue of maintenance of LEP/LEC confidence. It is therefore

recommended that all 5 PC continue to serve in Hong Kong in

accordance with the existing DCA agreement until this expires in Mar 88. Thereafter, HKC is unlikely to be prepared tə

contribute to the cost of operation of the first 2 redundant-

PC; the utilisation of these 2 vessels post Mar 88 is the

subject of further study. There will be a continuing requirement

for 3 PC at least until MARPOL's second batch of 3 improved-

capability SC launches have assumed the RN's anti-II role

not before 1991. Our options for the future of these 3 PC in

Hong Kong will remain wider, and we will preserve flexibility,

if we defer a decision on this subject until 1990 (see Annex A

para 2(a) serial 4). By that date clearer assessments of the need

for a RN presence and of the risks of withdrawal may be possible.

Ken

P

ie

58.

In deciding the future of the PC - particularly if the

force was to be split operational, training, engineering,

logistic and financial penalties will need to be taken into

account. Also, the role of the Hong Kong PC in suppert of

the ERDA and activities in the Pacific region are commitments

which need to be reconsidered. However, these matters heve ng

direct bearing on the pole of the PC in Hong Kong and will

be addressed as separate

es outside the scope of thiS

paper.........

FUTURE OF 3 RAIDING SQUADRON ROYAL MARINES (3 RSRM)

59.

At present, 3 RSRM is effectively maintained as part of

the garrison on a 2-year renewable contract. 3 RSRM's Fast

Pursuit Craft (FPC) are currently the only assets in Hong Kong

able to operate successfully against speedboats smuggling

goods or IIS between the Territory and the Chinese mainland.

However, HKG plans to establish MARPOL FPC operations during

28

UK EYES A

SECRET