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SECRET
CALL ON YOU BY ALISTAIR ASPREY, SECRETARY FOR SECURITY,
HONG KONG GOVERNMENT, 30 MAY: ROYAL NAVAL PRESENCE AFLOAT
Objective
1.
To inform Hong Kong of the present position and to impress upon Hong Kong that, while we are fully on their side and prepared to support them, they will have to be
realistic and flexible if a solution is to be reached.
Points to make
-
Secretary of Defence not yet signed off letter in response to Secretary of State's letter. However, understand that it will say that MOD are prepared to look at reducing the number of vessels from 3 to 2 but only see this as a useful starting point for discussions.
- As set out in our telegrams, MOD also looking at other
ways to reduce their costs.
MOD have mentioned only one idea so far: more money up front set against a higher share of the disposal of stocks
from the previous DCA.
- Foreign Secretary fully appreciates Hong Kong's
difficulties on this matter.
Understand the need to have
visible back-up for the police. Aware of our difficulties with the Chinese should the vessels be withdrawn.
- But as you know, MOD see no military need for the vessels. MOD are extremely pressed for money. Are looking critically
at all areas of expenditure.
RODAGU/1
CC
SECRET
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