TNAG-2120-FCO40-3026-Hong-Kong-Garrison-future-of-the-Royal-Navy-presence-1990 — Page 8

SECRET UK EYES A LOCSEN

17. Mr Paul observed that the FCO was a little anxious that the matter had not yet been concluded and hoped that it could be sorted out quickly. He offered to ask Mr Maud

if he would discuss the matter with the Governor briefly during his forthcoming visit. AUS (C) accepted this offer and said that he would produce a note for inclusion in Minister's brief.

18. Turning to the manpower aspects, AD2/DNSD commented on the present difficulties surrounding RN manpower and that the position had not been changed as a result of

of the current work on 'Options'. The LEP/LEC factor was a further uncertainty. The Navy line was that the recent audits had been exhaustive and that there was no further mileage to be obtained in repeating

obtained in repeating the process. This accorded with CAPIC's view. The conclusion was therefore that the manpower requirement would have to be found by internal management.

AUS (C)

AD2/DNSD

Hong

CBF Kong

ITEM 3B

JTP 30 REVIEW

19. The Chairman explained that there had been a problem with the draft revise of JTP 30 because of the lack

of a full explanation of the underlying rationale for a second brigade, namely to deal with an internal security problem and simultaneous military involvement with VBPS

ОР

MOONSTONE.

Thus the plan had appeared logistically unsupportable. The JTP now included full explanation of the background and all addressees' comments had now been included in the final version which was in course of issue.

ITEM 3C

PROPOSAL TO CPX THE REINFORCEMENT PLAN IN 1992

20. The Chairman explained the background to the proposal by reminding the Committee of the COS remit in CDS/13/89 by reading the relevant paragraph:

"60.

The COS are advised to take note that the contingency plan for the reinforcement of Hong Kong (JTP 30) will be reviewed in March 1990 and that the decision whether or not to exercise JTP 30 via an in- theatre CPX in 1992, will in due course be referred to them.

21.

R Adm Larken then asked members of the Committee if, in the light of the current situation

the current situation in Hong Kong and possible future developments, they felt that there should be a CPX to exercise JTP 30 in 1992. He added that, if Members agreed, the matter should be referred to COS and in So doing all the relevant factors such as budgets, availability of forces and so on would be exposed. The Committee agreed unanimously that there should be a CPX in

5

UK EYES A

SECRET