SECRET
a.
HQBF/HMS TAMAR.
Currently, we are examining with the HKG the possibility of the Prince of Wales HQ building being taken over by the Police or used as the British Consulate after 1997. Either would be an ideal solution
as it would enable us to continue to use at least part of the building (in particular the communications centre) until final withdrawal. Additionally, the RN PC can only operate from HMS TAMAR because of the base support facilities required, so the basin must be retained at least as long as we retain PC. However, the MARPOL may wish to take over
the naval base.
b. Gun Club Hill Barracks. Gun Club Hill is in a
prime development area in the centre of Kowloon. Once the rundown of units commences in the early 1990s, Gun Club Hill could be given up and remaining garrison elements relocated apart perhaps from a small enclave containing the church, the schools and a -Services
recreation club.
4.
C.
Blackdown and Osborn Barracks. Both these Kowloon
sites are in prime areas. Osborn contains the accommodation earmarked for the garrison reinforcement units, the Joint Service Movements Centre and a number of small units
which will be essential as long as the garrison is in Hong Kong. Blackdown is the Composite Ordnance Depot, but its facilities could be provided elsewhere as storage space became available in the early part of the rundown. On balance, Osborn is much the better site to retain particularly as it contains a large number of married quarters and welfare facilities.
In the New Territories, the problems are less acute, and the order of withdrawal is probably not critical.
a.
Burma Lines. There would be some advantages in withdrawing early from Burma Lines, as this site would be attractive to the Police for basing PTU companies
COS S/185(1) ;
G1
K
2
SECRET