FUTURE OF THE GARRISON
CONFIDENTIAL
1. No decisions have been taken on the future size and shape
of the Hong Kong Garrison beyond that to reduce from five to
four battalions in January 1987 by disbanding 2/7 GR.
After 1997 the Garrison will be replaced by an expanded
Royal Hong Police (RHKP) Force. The rate of expansion
of the RHKP is still under consideration in Hong Kong, but it is
likely to increase from a current strength of 25,000 to
around 30,000 by 1991. In particular, it is envisaged
that the Police Tactical Units (PTUs) will increase from six
to 14 companies. The PTUS have a para-military role, and
number some 170 men drawn for a short period of service from
other parts of the RHKP; the men undergo specialist training,
and then return to ordinary police duties. It is the PTUS
which would replace the Garrison both in assuming responsibility
for the Border, and in supporting the conventional police in
the internal security role.
2. The rate at which the new PTUS are created is therefore
critical to consideration of the reduction in the Garrison.
The first PTU company is likely to be on the Border around 1990/91,
but the RHKP is unlikely to take full responsibility for the
Border until 1993.
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CONFIDENTIAL