Redacted under FOI exemption section 27(1)
SECRET
UK EYES A
LOCSEN
(6B
GARRISON TITLE
44. CDS 7/87 introduced the concept of the title "Sovereign
Force Hong Kong" for the Hong Kong garrison in order to meet the need to signal British sovereignty and HMG's continuing political commitment to the Territory throughout the phased withdrawal. However, the FCO have expressed concern about
formal or public adoption of this title. The FCO have made the point that the garrison has had responsibility for demonstration of British sovereignty over the Territory for well over a century without resort to any special title. They have observed, that it would not be readily explicable why HMG should choose to make the point less than a decade
COS53.4-15
28 LOCSEN
UK EYES A
SECRET