TNAG-2240-FCO40-3219-Future-of-Hong-Kong-Royal-Navy-presence-1991 — Page 165

HMS Bdurance

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has, as you know, an obvious political and defence symbolism. It is perceived by the Argentines, Falkland

Islanders and other countries as the embodiment of HMG's

commitment to all our Dependent Territories in the South

Atlantic (ie South Georgia, South Sandwich Islands and

the BAT as well as the Falkland Islands). Just as important is the practical role of the ship both in supporting our claim to the BAT against competing claims by Argentina and Chile (both of whom demonstrate their presence through their armed forces) and in enabling the British Antarctic Survey to carry out scientific work in

areas it could not otherwise reach. I do not need to

stress the achievement of the Survey in research into the

ozone layer.

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It is being argued that, with the garrison and the

airport, the Falklands no longer derive any real defence

benefit from HMS Endurance. I would only observe that

the Islanders and the British press and public - do not

see it that way. Taking our defence and political

interests in their broader sense, I would rate the

continuation of HMS Endurance (or if necessary a second

hand replacement) as of higher priority than some other aspects of the garrison. It may therefore be more profitable for HMG to look for savings in the size of

the Falklands garrison.

As for Hong Kong, as I have explained in previous correspondence, I have no doubt that the Patrol craft continue to perform an important military and political function. Their premature withdrawal would send the wrong signals, both locally and to the Chinese. It is

clear from discussions which the Prime Minister and I had

with the Governor earlier this month that solutions

involving additional finance from Hong Kong are not

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