SECRET UK EYES A
LOCSEN
biennial review and the major review should be combined and conducted during the second half of 1991. The review is likely to be complex, but it is considered that by early October 1991 it will be possible to judge whether the Hong Kong Police will be able to assume effective control of half of the border by the end of that year. There should also be
sufficient indication during 1991 of the approach being adopted towards Hong Kong by financial investors. It is therefore suggested that the first draft of the major
review, taking due account of the threat study to be prepared by DIS, should be issued in early October 1991 with final clearance by the COS in committee before
Christmas. This would permit Ministerial confirmation of the Withdrawal Decision to be announced, if necessary, some
six months ahead of the actual withdrawal of the first
battalion.
-
43. If the concept of advancing the major review to 1991 is endorsed by the COS, it will be necessary to consult with
the HKG on the issue because the original call for such a
review came from the EXCO. It is also relevant that the
Chinese have been informed that the major review will take
place in 1992; it will therefore be necessary to advise the PRCG, through the medium of the JLG, of any timescale
revision.
COS49.6-17
28 LOCSEN
UK EYES A
SECRET
Redacted under FOI exemption section 27(1)
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