4.
SECRET
UK EYES A
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
during their period of duty on the border. The site is possibly the least valuable to the garrison as it is not well equipped in terms of married quarters and related facilities. It is well suited for the use envisaged by the Police, and could be offered up when the first
Gurkha infantry battalion is withdrawn.
b. Borneo Lines. Borneo Lines could be run down
progressively from the date of reduction to 3 battalions.
However, if the UK battalion is to remain in Hong Kong
there is a possibility that in the mid-1990s it could be moved from Stanley to Borneo Lines, which was originally built to UK scales, but subsequent adaption of the cookhouses and accommodation to Gurkha scales would require
considerable refurbishment.
c.
Malaya Lines. Training Depot Brigade of Gurkhas
(TDBG) is in Malaya Lines in a custom-built training
camp. The Police have already said they would like to
take it over, and it could be transferred when TDBG is
withdrawn from Hong Kong.
d.
Cassino and Gallipoli Lines.
Both complexes are close
to the border and could be handed back to HKG when the
respective battalions are withdrawn.
e.
Perowne Barracks. Currently the home of the QGE,
Perowne Barracks could absorb additional units as Engineer
COS S/176 (2)
G
3
UK EYES A
SECRET LOCSEN