Redacted under FOI exemption section 27(1)
SECRET
UK EYES A
LOCSEN
SA
Second, CBF Hong Kong has reported that HE the Governor supports the view that a longer term RN presence would be desirable, and the Chief Secretary of the HKG has notified MODUK that the HKG would probably ask for a PC presence until a very late stage in the withdrawal. Third, the Governor endorsed the revised Concept of Operations in December 1988 and stated he foresaw a requirement for a continuing RN presence afloat until 30 June 1997. Fourth, the revised Directive ((8) and Annex C) places a remit on the Garrison to ensure territorial integrity and to demonstrate HMG's sovereignty over Hong Kong. Notwithstanding the circumstances listed above, the study of the extension of the naval presence afloat should recognise that militarily there have been no changes to the threat which have materially affected the tasks performed by the RN
in Hong Kong waters since CDS 7/87 was issued. Nevertheless, although any extension of the naval presence afloat would principally be the result of a political
commitment, for fulfilment of that commitment to be credible any force provided must convey recognisable military
Note:
CDS 44/88 · CDS Directive to Commander British Forces Hong Kong dated 2 December 1988.
8.
COS53.4-15
23 LOCSEN
UK EYES A
SECRET