TNAG-2057-FCO40-2935-Armed-incursions-by-China-and-Royal-Navy-rules-of-engagement-1990 — Page 49

CONFIDENTIAL

24 MAY 1990

HKB 177/

FROM:

A R Paul

Hong Kong Department

12 JUN 1990

DATE:

24 May 1990

C. Sk

TER

PS/Mr Maude

Cc:

Mr McLaren

Mr Burns

m ver.

ROYAL NAVY IN HONG KONG: RULES OF ENGAGEMENT

Problem

་་

1.

Changes to the Rules of Engagement to be followed by RN vessels

in Hong Kong waters.

Recommendation

2.

I recommend that Mr Maude endorses the proposals at Annex A.

Background

3.

Following the increase in recent months in the number of

incidents involving incursions into Hong Kong waters by vessels from

the People's Republic of China (most recently the smuggling incident of 3 May), the Governor and the CBF wish to introduce some minor

modifications to the current Rules of Engagement to be followed by

RN vessels in Hong Kong waters.

4. Most of these incidents have been relatively trivial ones, and

there is no evidence of a deliberate Chinese policy of intimidation or provocation. But an appropriate adjustment in the Rules governing the ways in which RN vessels may respond to such

incidents, is now needed. The task of policing Hong Kong territorial waters is primarily one for the Hong Kong Maritime

Police (MARPOL). But the RN patrol vessels have a back up role and

BATADA

CONFIDENTIAL