TNAG-1939-FCO40-2765-Future-of-Hong-Kong-defence-and-public-order-1989 — Page 143

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MOD now wish to hold the oxerne i

Diego Garcia + one otter.

3.

Middle East

There were no surprises on Oman or Jordan. In a brief discussion of Egypt it was agreed that some low-level Royal Marine training towards the end of 1990 was a good idea, subject to the necessary clearances through the Embassy. It emerged in discussion that this was not a new idea the Marines were last there in 1983.

Sub-Saharan Africa

J

The discussions with Botswana on exercise facilities are at an advanced stage. The geographical department and the High Commission are fully in the picture. In the discussion on Exercise LARCHPOLE the series of RE construction tasks in Kenya, it was noted that the Kenyan Defence Ministry wished to cancel the exercise. The reason for this was a lack of finance and a lack of suitable military projects. The MOD are, however, reluctant to let go and are continuing discussions over the possibility of obtaining some tasks on civilian projects.

Caribbean, South America and South Atlantic

In

The discussion on Belize was of limited interest. the discussion on the Falklands the main proposals was that 50-60 men should be sent in to the Islands from time to time to take part in in-theatre FTXS. Other proposals are for a full-scale CPX in the spring of 1990. The MOD would also hope to conduct a full-scale FTX in 1992 similar to Fire Focus. I emphasised the political sensitivity of such large-scale exercises and the need to clear everything at the highest level and at the very carliest stage. The point was well taken and accepted.

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Purple Exercises

It was agreed that CPXS should take place in principle once a year. The main projects mentioned were that

PURPLE VICTORY 90 should have a Near or Middle East scenario with the JFHQ in Cyprus, PURPLE VENTURE 92 should be a Hong Kong reinforcement exercise, and that PURPLE WARRIOR 95 (which is, of course, an FTX) might be held in an FPDA context.

I should be grateful if Mr Cartwright would pass on points from this minute to geographical departments as

necessary.

P Yarnold

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