TNAG-1939-FCO40-2765-Future-of-Hong-Kong-defence-and-public-order-1989 — Page 101

SECRET UK EYES A LOCSEN

establishing the appropriate terms of reference for the

study had contributed in part to the delay. In order to

clarify the position and to confirm the Committee's

agreement to the way ahead, he detailed the aim and scope of the study. The Chairman stated that these were entirely

consistent with the Minutes of the last meeting and that

they would be confirmed further

confirmed further in the record of this

meeting (see Annex A). He asked DN Plans to speak on the

time-scale envisaged. DN Plans stated the intention to

report by mid-Jul 89. The Chairman asked if he would be

considering circulating drafts of the study group's findings. DN Plans indicated his willingness to do so

either within the study group or

or wider prior to final

approval if this was the wish of the Committee, however, he

did express his concern that these measures might involve

further delay. The Chairman said that he thought the first

stage which would be in the interest of an overall speedy

response, would be for the Navy Department to provide from

its point of view, empirical proposals as a base-line for

further debate involving members of the Committee. Asked

by DN Plans whether these should take the form of a precis

of a series of options, the Chairman stated that practical

and economic alternatives were sought which would provide

some sort of RN presence afloat in Hong Kong waters until

1997. This would obviously take into account the empirical

requirement which was political and centred on sovereignty.

He believed this guidance to be adequate but that if further

advice was required, this could be given. He added that he

was anxious to avoid the circumstances

circumstances surrounding the

withdrawal of the first 2 patrol craft and that in order to

do so, it was important to establish a position well in

advance of implementation.

15. DN Plans pointed out the absence of financial provision for the existing patrol craft beyond 1992. In reply, the

Chairman affirmed that this was understood, as was the fact

that this was a new requirement for which there was no

LOCSEN SECRET UK EYES A