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SECRET UK EYES A LOCSEN
realistic future role of being prepared to respond as appropriate to any
incursion or infringement of Hong Kong's territorial integrity. The
Garrison's tasks were formally identified as being to assist the HKG to
maintain stability and security and to sustain confidence in British
sovereignty in the Territory until 30 Jun 97. These roles and tasks were
incorporated in the revised CDS Directive to CBF Hong Kong, Reference C,
and are reproduced at Annex C.
b.
Revised Concept of Operations.
In the light of these revised roles
and tasks, CBF Hong Kong has developed a new Concept of Operations, which
provides for the simultaneous demonstration of sovereignty and execu-
tion of IS tasks. The essence of the Concept is the provision of mobile
reserves. While the Garrison consists of 4 battalions, one will be on
anti-II duties on the Border at all times, two battalions will be earmarked
primarily for IS duties, and the fourth battalion will be employed as the
mobile reserve to be used as required. This concept will be applied as the
Garrison is run down by aiming to keep at all times at least one reserve
battalion, and ultimately a reserve force, to be deployed either for use on
the border, to counter the threat of incursions or to support the RHKP or
other British forces on IS tasks. The concept necessitates the retention
of flexibility and mobility. This will need to be reflected, in the longer
term, in the planning of helicopter force levels and of the Garrison's sea
and land transport support capabilities. The revised concept of operations
also envisages a role for RN forces afloat exercising HMG's sovereignty in
Hong Kong waters and countering incursions by PRCG vessels.
ROW 113 (HONG)
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SECRET UK EYES A LOCSEN