SECRET
HKE 063/
SECRET
FM FCO
TO IMMEDIATE HONG KONG
TELNO 1101
OF 10152OZ JUNE 91
24 JUL1991
OFFICER
Ci
INFO IMMEDIATE PEKING, UKREP JLG, HONG KONG
This Stone
in
"/vi.
10
135450
MDHOAN 5162
STRICTLY PERSONAL FOR GOVERNOR AND HEADS OF MISSION FROM BURNS, AUSS RN PRESENCE AFLOAT
1.
WE DISCUSSED THIS BRIEFLY WITH THE SECRETARY OF STATE THIS MORNING. HE SAW NO PROSPECT OF PERSUADING THE PRIME MINISTER TO INTERVENE AND DOES NOT INTEND TO TRY. HE WAS NOT CONVINCED THAT THE CHINESE WERE LIKELY TO REACT AS SEVERELY AS WE HAVE ARGUED TO A DECISION TO WITHDRAW THE CRAFT. IN ANY CASE IF MOD SAW NO MILITARY REQUIREMENT IT WOULD BE IMPOSSIBLE TO ARGUE HERE THAT THE PRESENCE SHOULD BE MAINTAINED BECAUSE THE CHINESE WANTED IT. HIS PRESENT INCLINATION IS THAT YOU SHOULD PUT THE MATTER SQUARELY TO FINANCE COMMITTEE AND LET THEM DECIDE WHETHER THEY ARE PREPARED TO STUMP UP MORE MONEY TO KEEP THE PATROL CRAFT IN HONG KONG.
I KNOW THAT YOU HAVE SAID IN THE PAST THAT IF AGREEMENT WITH MOD IS NOT POSSIBLE YOU WILL WISH TO DISCUSS THE ISSUE WITH THE SECRETARY OF STATE. HE IS READY FOR THIS.
2.
HURD
YYYY
MAIN
3
NO DISTRIBUTION
HD/HKD
NNNN
DISTRIBUTION
3
MR BURNS
SIR J COLES
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