1
31 MAY 91 16:30
FROM SEC(O)(C)
PAGE.003
savings assumptions and budget allocations, and in any case would not justify retention, at MOD expense, of a capability which was not required. One alternative would be for the Hong Kong government to buy out the UK's share in the capital value of the patrol craft and run and maintain the vessels
themselves. MOD would be willing to provide, on repayment, RN officers and ratings on loan service and believed that it
would be possible, provided certain conditions were met, for
the vessels to continue to fly the White Ensign.
5. The Hong Kong government agreed to examine this proposal
х X and to review other options that had been raised in previous
negotiations, with the aim of providing a response within 10- 14 days. However all these options were likely to raise difficulties in Hong Kong. The Ministry of Defence in the
meantime would report the outcome to the Defence Secretary.
** TOTAL PAGE.003 **
No comments yet.
Private notes are available after approval.