TNAG-1939-FCO40-2765-Future-of-Hong-Kong-defence-and-public-order-1989 — Page 105

not anticipated that any

for some 2/3 weeks.

SECRET UK EYES A

LOCSEN

official line would be made known

One assessment was that the

The

introduction into service of the remaining 3 vessels would

be delayed until late 1992 or even early 1993.

Secretary pointed out that this eventuality could impinge

upon the Garrison Withdrawal Plan since the withdrawal of

the remaining 3 RN Patrol Craft was connected with the

effective introduction into service of the balance of the

Sector Control Vessels.

21.

The Chairman expressed some surprise at the news and,

in particular, the time-frames indicated. SO2 J3 Ops said

that this was new information which was as yet incomplete.

The Chairman pointed out that the Hong Kong Government was

well resourced to tackle the problems and that if immediate

solutions were not apparent, there would be justification

in asking for another form of approach, even if this did

involve expenditure. CBF observed that the Hong Kong Government was actively seeking remedies. It was agreed that execution rather than expenditure was more likely to pose a problem. In this context, CBF pointed out that,

although the problem had yet to be formally addressed, it

held potential implication for the Withdrawal Plan, which

was in concept event led. In reply, the Chairman expressed

the need for reassurance that all practicable options were

being pursued and that the Hong Kong Government should be given strong encouragement to seek a remedy. CBF agreed.

The Chairman continued by saying that when he visited in

Hong Kong, he had aired the possibility of assistance being

provided via RN Loan Service Personnel. CBF said that

although this was a good idea, it had not found favour in

Hong Kong Government eyes.

22.

Because of possible implications for the RN presence study, DN Plans asked if the thinking on time-scale had been

based on the abandonment of the existing design in favour

of a new vessel. SO2 J3 said this was so. DN Plans then

FCO

HQ BFHK

LOCSEN

SECRET UK EYES A

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