Redacted
under FOI exemption
section 27(1)
c.
SECRET UK EYES A
LOCSEN
Major Review Timescale.
(78
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 November 1988 and March 1989, 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 June 1997. 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 helicopters post-1989 needs review in the light of the revised Concept of 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 (11) after the Police have assumed the major part of the
Note:
11.
Possibly one Gurkha and one UK, or two UK Battalions, one of which would be a roulement battalion.
30 LOCSEN
UK EYES A
SECRET