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units to support the Police during the period of role-familiarisation, espe-
cially at a time when police morale could be subject to pressure. Furthermore,
HMG judged it preferable to have military force available to control unrest
rather than risk pre-emptive Chinese intervention. HMG therefore determined
that a garrison of appropriate strength and composition to demonstrate HMG's
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commitment to maintenance of the security and sovereignty of Hong Kong, and to
act in support of the HKG would remain based in Hong Kong until 30 Jun 97.
8. Joint Liaison Group (JLG) Discussions - Post CDS 7/87. Discussions between
the British (HMG and HKG) and Chinese sides in the JLG have covered a number of
aspects of the transition to 1997. From this it appears that the PRC have not
yet developed their plans for a PLA presence in Hong Kong and that they will
take a close interest in the development of our withdrawal plans, especially in
any aspects which they believe might affect their future presence. Although HMG
has made it clear that the Chinese do not have a veto on our plans, it will be
important to take account of the need to consult the Chinese at appropriate
points as has been done in relation to the planned withdrawal of the first
battalion in 1992.
4
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ROW 113 (HONG)