TNAG-2238-FCO40-3217-Future-of-Hong-Kong-Royal-Navy-presence-1991 — Page 182

Mr Stone

ROYAL NAVAL PRESENCE IN HONG KONG

Reference

HKB 063/1

1. Lord Caithness agrees that now would not be a good time for him to approach Mr Hamilton on this subject.

2. He would therefore like to write to Mr Hamilton, setting out our concerns, flagging up the timetable for resolving the issue and including in the letter hard evidence of the

"increased Chinese threat", smuggling incidents etc.

3. The letter would conclude by suggesting a meeting in due course (and certainly after the Ministers return from Hong

Kong).

4.

Lord Caithness has said that the timing of the letter is

flexible and would welcome advice on this point. I rather

think it would be preferable for him to send off the letter

before he goes to Hong Kong; but there may be a case for

further delay. Grateful for your views.

21 January 1991

cc: Miss Marsden

BOPAET/1

CODE 18-77

law U

A R Paul

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