TNAG-1938-FCO40-2764-Future-of-Hong-Kong-defence-and-public-order-1989 — Page 30

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revised Concept of Operations, which will place greater emphasis on reserve force mobility. The HQBFHK study should define the peacetime helicopter flying tasks and the operational contingency requirements and recommend the appropriate AE and IUR ratios and the optimum mix of Wessex and Scouts for the rundown period post-1989. The study should also address the helicopter crewing issues associated

with reinforcement planning described 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 November 1989 if

required, in order to derive information from the IRR Scout

Trial (paragraph 28 refers).

NAVAL ASPECTS

32.

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withdrawal of the first 2 HKPC until July 1988. 3 RSRM was also withdrawn in July 1988 even though MARPOL had not by then (and still have not) achieved an operational FPC capability.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

Redacted under FOI exemption section 27(1)

COS49.6-17

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