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the maritime requirement. Factors to be taken into account are: the threat

(which is assessed not to have changed); the requirement; the capability and

likely effectiveness of MARPOL; funding arrangements involving HKG; the naval

support facilities expected to be available; and the capacity of the preferred

solution to withstand Chinese scrutiny.

38.

Objective. The study is to define the type(s) and number of vessels

and associated equipment required to provide the minimum credible naval force,

which could fulfil a possible political commitment to retain a naval presence

afloat most cost-effectively, and to identify the respective manpower,

establishments and supporting facilities required by each option considered in

the process of the review.

39. Underwater Roles and Support Capabilities Study. CDS 7/87 also referred to

the withdrawal of other RN assets such as the ferries (by 1988) and the divers

and related support capabilities (by about 1990). The RN ferries (owned 100% by

HKG) will be handed back to HKG in early 1989 and alternative arrangements to

support Stonecutters Island are in hand. HKG still has not resolved how it will

fulfil the underwater EOD and clearance diving roles, and is unlikely to have

introduced these capabilities before 1992/93. HQBFHK has therefore been tasked

to resolve with HKG during 1989 how and when the transfer of underwater roles

and support capabilities should be implemented.

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ROW 113 (HONG)