TNAG-1938-FCO40-2764-Future-of-Hong-Kong-defence-and-public-order-1989 — Page 103

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in the previous paragraph. The study is also to review the minimum contingency

force of Scout helicopters, currently identified as 6 aircraft - in the light of

the revised Concept of Operations. This particular assessment, together with

recommendations concerning the management of Scouts in Hong Kong to guarantee

short notice availability of this minimum contingency force may be deferred

until 1 Oct 89 if required, in order to derive information from the IRR Scout

Trial (paragraph 28 refers).

NAVAL ASPECTS

32.

Redacted under FOI exemption section 27(1)

1988 Withdrawals and Implications. CDS 7/87 envisaged MARPOL deploying 2

new SC launches in 1987 and achieving a land-based fast pursuit craft (FPC)

capability in early 1988. On this basis, plans were made to withdraw 2 RN PC

and 3 Raiding Squadron Royal Marines (3RSRM) in early 1988. In the event,

although the 2 MARPOL SC launches were operational by early 1988,

delayed the

withdrawal of the first 2 HKPC until Jul 88. 3 RSRM was also withdrawn in

Jul 88 even though MARPOL had not by then (and still have not) achieved an

operational FPC capability. The programme to enable MARPOL to combat II and

smuggling operations conducted by speed boats has therefore slipped. The HKG

accepted this MARPOL shortfall because provision had previously been made for

the 3 remaining RN HKPC to have a ship-borne FPC capability, with the FPC

crewed by RM personnel on each ship's complement. It is expected that MARPOL

will have a land-based FPC capability by early 1989 but HKG wish the RN to

retain the ship-borne FPCs as long as there are PC in HK waters.

33. Withdrawal of 3 Remaining PC. CDS 7/87 predicated withdrawal of the 3

remaining PC sometime during or after 1991. This timescale was selected on the

ROW 113 (HONG)

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