TNAG-2240-FCO40-3219-Future-of-Hong-Kong-Royal-Navy-presence-1991 — Page 123

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позвал н

Thank you.

Now see letter for 1%

BILATERAL WITH THE PRIME

GR: 24 JULY: HONG KONG

ROYAL NAVAL PATROL CRAFT

IC

27/mi

- Must consider patrol craft in the context of our other out of area responsibilities (my minute of 15 July).

Believe highest priority should be attached to Hong Kong

patrol craft and West Indian Guardship, followed by Endurance and Belize garrison.

- Some scope for further savings in Hong Kong, eg personnel reductions, helicopters.

- Cost of retaining craft: £15 million over 5 years. Reducing vessels from 3 to 2 would save £3 million.

Timing of announcement now (your visit to China/Hong Kong) particularly unfortunate.

VISIT OF PRIME MINISTER TO CHINA AND HONG KONG

-

Recognise complications and uncertainties.

:(3

But need to

put dates soon to Chinese. Suggest(30 August to 3 September.

Suggest we travel separately and meet in Peking. Visit

Hong Kong after China. Your views?

Problem over Guard of Honour in Tiananmen. Could tell

Chinese we don't want it. Your views?

TEDAER/1

SECRET

CC