Biased MOD viewpt.
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SECRET UK EYES A
whilst the military justification for retaining them remains low, the political reasons för retention are very strong.
It has therefore been agreed that they should remain in Hong Kong until 1997, though the matter of who pays for their funding has not been finally resolved.
24.
The RHKP assumed responsibility for anti-illegal immigration duties in the Eastern sector of the Sino-Hong Kong land border in December 1990.
In September 1991 they simultaneously took over the Central sector and control of all frontier operations, including the operational control of one infantry company in the Western sector, and an infantry company in reserve. The RHKP are due to assume responsibilty for the Eastern sector by April 1992, and the border reserve company by September 1992. The continuing influx of Vietnamese migrants (VM) into Hong Kong means that accommodation could run out in the foreseeable future. Although the number of VMs arriving in 1990 decreased markedly, arrival rates in 1991 increased once more and totals in Hong Kong reached over 64,000, some 10,000 of whom are accommodated in a temporary camp on Sek Kong airfield in the midst of Sek Kong Garrison. British Forces Hong Kong have continued to provide as much practical assistance as possible, short of direct contact with VMs. All services provided are fully funded by the Hong Kong Governement.
25.
UNFICYP. The UK has maintained its contribution to UNFICYP on a 6 month roulement basis although the commitment represents a major drain on FCO resources which they are seeking to reduce. The deployment of the ESBA battalion to BFC enabled the replacement of the CERR with a smaller, BAOR sourced, United Nations Roulement Regiment (URR). The contribution from UKLF of an armoured reconnaissance squadron and transport squadron has continued. British servicemen continue to serve on the staff of HQ UNIFICYP.
26.
Multi-National Force and Observers (MFO) Sinai. The UK has continued to provide a contingent to serve on the staff of MFO Sinai. In the absence of funding for this FCO-sponsored commitment, BRITCON is being reduced from 35 to [*] .
27.
United Nations Mission to Iraq and Kuwait (UNIKOM). The UK contributes 20 military observers to the 300-strong observer force of UNIKOM which was established to supervise the demilitarisation of the border between Kuwait and Iraq. The UN requirement for all observers to be of officer rank presents difficulties for the Army Department which is investigating the manning options available. UK does not have long experience of UN Peace-monitoring, as opposed to Peace-keeping, and some lessons have been learned. There have been differences of opinion with the Kuwaitis who wrongly tend to view the Observers as replacements for border security/police personnel.
28.
MINURSO.
Since September 1991 UK has
has provided a contingent of 15 officers to serve with MINURSO (a French acronym) in the Western Sahara monitoring the ceasefire and the process leading to a referendum on the country's future early in One additional military observer is deployed with the
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SECRET UK EYES A