سالم
115
Is Coolin
ра
tu Sibone
HKD
An
сори
Mr. Cox.
Discussed at this morning's
I
meeting
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SECRET
This minite has been
amended to take account of hand chitorul views on an
PS/Lord Caithness
Private Secretary
eaber verlim.
Scentury & State
From: A R Paul
Hong Kong Department
Date: 7 June 1991
CC:
Sir J Coles
Mr Blatherwick
Mr Burns
Mr Goulden
Head/NPDD
Head/RMD
80
HKB 063/1
HONG KONG: ROYAL NAVAL PRESENCE AFLOAT: DISCUSSIONS BETWEEN
THE MOD AND HONG KONG GOVERMENT
1.
Ministers should be aware that the talks between the
Hong Kong Government and MOD to try to resolve their
differences over how to fund the Royal Naval presence in
Hong Kong have failed. I recommend that the Secretary of State speaks to the Prime Minister to warn him of the
implications and to enlist his support. If Ministers agree with this approach we shall submit a short speaking note.
2. The MOD position has hardened: they now will require a "very substantial contribution" to meet their additional costs if they are prepared to retain the vessels in Hong Kong. Hong Kong's position has not changed. They are not prepared to contemplate any deal outside the Defence Costs Agreement which would require them to go back to the Finance
Committee.
3. It looks as if no agreement between the MOD and HKG will be possible and that, if we wish to press for the retention of the patrol craft, a case will have to be made at Cabinet
level.
ROZAXD/1
CC
SECRET
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