LOCSEN
SECRET
UK EYES A
THE 'SOVEREIGN FORCE HONG KONG'
40. Initial Strength. The Garrison's current operational IS
and border commitments can be carried out by a force of 4
resident infantry battalions without detriment to essential
military training. Whilst the ultimate intention is to reduce the Sovereign Force to a single battalion group, the military
assessment is that the minimum garrison strength which could
currently satisfy the political requirements post 1993 and which could act in support of the HKG during the initial period
prior to the RHKP assuming responsibility for all the IS and
anti-II tasks is a force of 3 resident, uncommitted infantry battalions. In the light of the present threat appreciation it is assessed that, once the expanded RHKP is fully operational, the force could comprise 2 resident battalions - provided a
third, in-theatre, acclimatised reserve battalion remained in
Brunei, ie. a '21' force.
8
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-
41. Final Strength. If security and stability in Hong Kong are maintained and subject to PRC acquiescence, financial
implications and the future of the Brunei (reserve) battalion
it may prove possible to realise the ultimate intention of a
Sovereign Force comprising a single battalion group, ie. a 1+1
force. Although this may be achievabley bý about 1005,
It is recommended that initial plans be based on 2+1 force, with the
1+1 option being retained as the ideal final presence.
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42. Role. As already indicated (paragraph ), once the RHKP have assumed responsibility for all the military tasks, the
role of the Sovereign Force would be to demonstrate HMG's
commitment to maintain the sovereignty of Hong Kong until 1997.
Therefore, despite there being no perscived military tasks
Note:
8. The Confidential Agreement with Brunei regarding the
stationing of the Gurkha Battalion has been extended by 5 years to 1993. A further extension may be considered in the early 1990s.
COS S/172 (1)
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UK EYES A
SECRET LOCSEN
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