TNAG-2238-FCO40-3217-Future-of-Hong-Kong-Royal-Navy-presence-1991 — Page 24

07 MAY 198ECRET

From:

R A Burns

Date:

7 May 1991

Cc:

PS/PUS

Sir J Coles

Mr Paul, HKD

MINISTOL

PS/Lord Cait

ithness

J

Ao

agree

with this. this.

We must be careful

HONG KONG : ROYAL NAVAL PRESENCE AFLOAT

came

support

Private Secretary be from China and

about the defence of H.K. The only attach could

if it

we could do thing about it. We should stress that this is

and back up to H.K. marke police and as we approach 1997 it is right that H.K! people aricume 1. I agree with this advice, albeit reluctantly, since it more, seems to me that the Chinese will see this as a sign of

responsibility British weakness and lack of resolve in fulfilling our

for their own responsibilities for the defence of Hong Kong.

affairs. faced The Sio.S. might like to know that there is one of the HK. This is the very best that the Hong Kong Government can rebels do without going back to the Finance Committee of Legco. All involved the advice is that this would precipitate an almighty row. in the Reducing our naval presence will worry the Chinese (as regards their own future naval position in Hong Kong), but it off will also give them a cause they can exploit against us both

Malaysia politically in Hong Kong and through their own naval incursions into Hong Kong waters. It could also fuel public and related anxiety in Hong Kong about London's lack of interest. to the five power

defence agreement.

2.

3.

So I hope the Secretary of State will agree to 'speak

exercial

personally and firmly to the Defence Secretary. on the last Nothing to

HIC

yet

the

occasion, his officials immediately contrived to brush aside do with the conversation by claiming that it had been agreed that the ball was in Hong Kong's court. The Secretary of State should stress therefore that the Governor can only be expected to send a team over to discuss the details if it is accepted that this particular solution will meet MOD's requirements.

4.

65 cars are

If the Defence Secretary refuses to accept a deal on this basis, then I fear the Hong Kong Government will argue that they can do no more and must therefore leave it to the FCO either to find the difference or to decide to reduce the naval presence entirely.

paid for by

нк.

7/5

A24 AAE

SECRET

Andrew Run

R A Burns