TNAG-1939-FCO40-2765-Future-of-Hong-Kong-defence-and-public-order-1989 — Page 36

SECRET UK EYES A

LOCSEN

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 Explosive Ordnance Disposal (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.

REINFORCEMENT EXERCISE

40. Consideration has yet to be given to exercising the contingency reinforcement of Hong Kong under the provisions

of JTP 30. EX PURPLE VENTURE 92, if run as an in-theatre

CPX, would provide the first opportunity to do this. Το hold such an exercise in 1992, the year of the withdrawal of

the first battalion, would serve to demonstrate to the HKG and the PRCG the UK's capability and will to deal with any break down of public order prior to 1997. However, the

25 LOCSEN

UK EYES A

SECRET