could become involved.
5. The proposed changes are set out in the attached annex
(produced by the MOD) which shows the existing and proposed rules.
We have discussed and agreed them at official level with the MOD.
Mr Burns has been consulted and agrees. The Governor and the CBF
are content.
6. The following explanation may be helpful:
(a)
Rule 510 (use of live ammunition). Henceforth sailors may carry small arms with live ammunition (previously, loaded weapons could not be carried). The change applies to non automatic weapons
only.
(b) Rule 590 (display of small arms). The clear display of
small arms will be allowed but the pointing or aiming of weapons will not be permitted. (The ability to respond in self defence, using minimum necessary force, is not restricted.)
(c) Rule 550 (Screening). A Patrol Vessel will henceforth have
the ability to intervene to protect a MARPOL launch from harassment
by screening (ie interposing itself). This is less aggressive than
the next step up the scale
-
known as "riding off".
(a) Rule 660 (Escorting). The proposed amendment to Rule 660
is straightforward: a patrol vessel should be able to ensure that a
Chinese vessel which has strayed into Hong Kong waters does indeed
leave as instructed.
7. These changes to the Rules of Engagement (which are to apply only within a limited of 1 mile inside the territorial boundaries to
avoid the possibility of disputes over jurisdiction) strike the right balance between necessity and prudence. They have been
BATADA
CONFIDENTIAL
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