They could be a little more specific about what is meant by a “last minute denial.” Does this mean that they gave permission and then withdrew it at the last minute, or that they waited until the last minute to make the decision, and then said “no”?
If it was the former, then there should certainly be some sort of payback.
All U.S. Navy port calls are scheduled months in advance, (nrmally before leaving the U.S.)so this was a snub of the U.S. Usually, there is a confirmation of the arrival of the Navy ship one to two weeks ahead of the port visit by the State Department so that the tugs, food delivery, fuel and water/electricity can be formalized and payments arranged. In Hong Kong the ships anchor in the harbor and require shuttle boats to be hired to transport the liberty party to the pier.