SECRET UK EYES A LOCSEN
battalion should be withdrawn in 1994. Given these circumstances, no changes
need therefore be made to the plan for withdrawal of battalions planned by
CDS 7/87.
22. Announcement of First Battalion Withdrawal. It has been HMG's practice to
explain to the PRCG at all stages what plans are involved in the withdrawal of
the Hong Kong Garrison. HMG considers it desirable to continue this process.
The Chinese were accordingly notified in Jan 89 of HMG's intention to make an
announcement in mid 1989 regarding the withdrawal of the first battalion from
Hong Kong and its subsequent disposal. It is expected that, if the COS endorse
the CDS 7/87 recommendation to withdraw the first (Gurkha) battalion in mid
1992, this will be publicly announced in mid 1989 - at the same time as an
announcement on the future of the Gurkhas as a whole though this will not
necessarily cover the decision on the future disposal of the first battalion
withdrawn, which need not be taken until 1990.
-
as well as of many other
23. Withdrawal of Army Supporting Arms and Services. CDS 7/87 directed that
the rundown of Army supporting arms and services was to be linked, rather than
tied, to the withdrawals of battalions. Clearly, the support of the 3 major
Gurkha support units the Queens Gurkha Engineers, the Queens Gurkha Signals
and the Gurkha Transport Regiment (or alternatives)
minor units - will be required until the final withdrawal. However, the size
and scale of the Army supporting arms and services should be directly related to
the roles and operational requirements of the remaining garrison battalions and
RN and RAF units in Hong Kong at all stages of the rundown. Any requirements
for Army supporting arms and services to support the Police should also be taken
into due consideration. As a principle, Army supporting arms and services
ROW 113 (HONG)
15
SECRET UK EYES A LOCSEN