5.
SECRET UK EYES A LOCSEN
For the purpose of the study, "Demonstration of Sovereignty" is to be interpreted as requiring the ability to conduct maritime operations designed to deter or "ride off" unauthorised Chinese (in particular) or other national (in general) maritime operations within, or causing infringement of, Hong Kong's area of maritime integrity.
6.
For this role, it is judged that the required RN patrol vessels should have good endurance and seakeeping qualities [TBD], and show clear evidence of carriage of gun armament. But, given that the role is principally demonstrative, it is considered that armament mounted need not be of the calibre installed aboard the 3 PEACOCK Class PC, which are currently established as the HK Sqn. It is also considered that the ability to launch and retrieve FPC is not essential for the role of sovereignty demonstration.
Addressees should note that ACNS has signalled CAPIC Hong Kong seeking
7.
-
by 16 Mar the following information relating to
a continued RN presence:
a.
Likely Task, and justification.
b. Number of Units required.
Level of Capabilities (Command and Control, Weapons, Seakeeping Qualities, Speed, Small Boats, etc.).
c.
d. If b and c less than current force levels, date the lesser can be adopted.
Estimated increase/decrease in shore support costs (including implications of possible move to Stonecutters Island).
e.
£.
Effect on LEPS of replacement considerations.
SCOPE OF STUDY.
8.
Based on comment provided
provided by addresses
by addresses in response to paragraphs 4 to 7 above, it is proposed that MOD Navy will be tasked with identifying a suitable range of alternative types of vessels (presuming that a range is deemed to exist), and then reviewing the options, giving due consideration to the following aspects:
a. Realistic timescales for introduction into service in Hong Kong waters for those
for those options which do not involve extension in service of the PEACOCK Class PC.
b. Respective manpower establishments for each option, and any relevant implications (e.g. training issues).
LOCSEN
SECRET UK EYES A
7
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