SECRET UK EYES A
LOCSEN
}
-
Kong in the years prior to 1997 is crucial; public perception of the credibility of the forces of law and
order the police supported by the military will remain a keystone of this process; this must not be
overlooked despite other considerations which may be
brought to bear on judgement of the Garrison's strength
in the future.
18. In addition to the above, 2 issues were developed
during 1988, which have assumed importance as planning
factors:
In
a. Revised Roles and Tasks and Revised Directive.
acknowledgement of Hong Kong's changed situation since the signing of the Joint Declaration in 1984, MOD proposed changes to the role and tasks of the garrison; these were agreed by Min (AF) in March 1988 (7). In essence these involved a change from conventional limited War (LW) to resist Chinese aggression, to a more 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 June 1997. These roles and tasks were incorporated in the revised CDS Directive to CBF Hong Kong (8) and are reproduced at Annex C.
Notes:
1. 8.
CDS 2051/1 dated 18 March 1988.
CDS 44/88
—
CDS Directive to Commander British Forces
Hong Kong dated 2 December 1988.
COS49.6-17
11 LOCSEN UK EYES A
SECRET