((ar)
3
3.
In discussions with the Chinese in the latter part of
1987, it became apparent that they wished to see a significant
naval presence maintained into the final phase (1994-97) of
the withdrawal programme. Partly, no doubt, they wished to
see a continuing role for the RN which could be inherited by
the PLA Navy; they did not, however, indicate any direct link
between the size of the RN presence up to 1997, and the extent
of PLA Navy deployment thereafter. Our present assessment is
that
Chinese will determine the PLA navy deployment in
Hong Kong post-1997 irrespective of the RN deployment pre-1997.
4.
In order to reach
agreement with the Chinese at
JLGVIII on an overall package for withdrawal of the garrison,
and expansion of the Police and other local services to
over some of the operational responsibilities of the present
garrison, the British side of the JLG agreed to reconsider the
timing of the RN withdrawal, and to study how to maintain an
RN presence into the
the final withdrawal phase. We told the
Chinese that the type and number
vessels appropriate to
Although no
this role would require further consideration.
specific commitment was given to the Chinese, there was an
understanding between the two sides that the UK would maintain
a fully operational RN presence in Hong Kong until 1997.
5.
The First Review of the Garrison Outline Withdrawal
Plan completed early in 1989 recognised the possibility of a
requirement to retain some form of RN presence in HK waters
until 1997 and hence the study mentioned in paragraph 1 above
was commissioned.
LOGDEN
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