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in the light of known Chinese opposition to the formation of a para-military IS force that expansion of the RHKP force would be the most acceptable option.
35. As a result, in Nov 86, the Executive Council (EXCO) of Hong Kong approved plans for the expansion of the Police Tactical Unit (PTU), the Marine Police (MARPOL), the Royal Hong Kong Auxiliary Air Force (RHKAAF) and other voluntary organisations.
Details of the tasks to be undertaken and of the various expansion
programmes are at Annex B. A diagrammatic chart illustrating
the development of the increased Police capability is at Annex C.
36. In summary, the RHKP plan envisages raising PTU border companies to take over half the border commitment in 1991 and to assume responsibility for the whole border by 1993. At that
stage, the RHKP will also have:
a.
Raised additional PTU IS companies and expanded the Auxiliary Police Force (APF) to assume all military IS tasks.
b. Expanded the RHKAAF (7) to provide helicopter and
fixed wing support for the RHKP in all their duties including
S&R.
C. Re-equipped MARPOL to take over the RNHK Squadron's roles.
However, there are many factors bearing on the Police expansion
which could cause slippage in the timetable for assuming garrison responsibilities. Although the PRCG have welcomed the decision
not to create a para-military IS force, they have yet to express a formal view on the proposed Police Expansion Plan. There is a danger that the target date of mid-87 to start recruiting the additional Police required by the Plan could be delayed by
Note:
7.
The RHKAAF is to be retitled. The term Hong Kong Government Air Wing (HKGAW) will be used hereafter in this paper, but should not be considered as the definitive, final title.
COS S/184 (2)
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