SECRET UK EYES A LOCSEN
PART FOUR
SUMMARY AND RECOMMENDATIONS
FIRST REVISE OF HONG KONG GARRISON WITHDRAWAL PLAN SUMMARY
46.
Introduction.
The first review of CDS 7/87, conducted between Nov 88 and
Mar 89, has concluded that no changes to the broad timescales originally planned
for the withdrawal of battalions and supporting naval and air forces (except AAC
Scouts) are yet warranted. It is necessary to give further consideration to the
requirement to retain a RN presence afloat in Hong Kong between 1991 and 30 Jun
It is proposed that the post 1989 Scout helicopter force level should
be defined as 6UE plus 2 IRR, or 8 UE, depending on the outcome of a 6 months
trial of the former force level during 1989. Moreover, the optimum mix of heli-
copters post 1989 needs review in the light of the revised Concept of
1997.
Operations.
47. Army. Withdrawal of battalions provides the framework for the military
plan which provides overlap and flexibility to cater for slippage of the Police
Expansion plan. The Hong Kong Garrison will reduce by one (Gurkha) battalion to
a total of 3 battalions (2 Gurkha and one UK) in mid 1992 - once the RHKP have
assumed responsibility for half the border by end 1991. It will reduce to 2
battalions (5) after the Police have assumed the major part of the Garrison's
IS, anti-II and special tasks for planning purposes not before 1994. The
remaining 2 battalions will further reduce subject to stable and secure con-
ditions to a single UK battalion group as soon as possible during the period
1994-7. Formal notification is still awaited from the HKG endorsing the
Governor's stated view that two resident battalions will be required until the
-
5
Possibly one Gurkha and one UK, or two UK battalions, one of which would be a roulement battalion.
ROW 113 (HONG)
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SECRET UK EYES A LOCSEN