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1991 REVIEW OF THE HONG KONG GARRISON OUTLINE WITHDRAWAL PLAN
INTRODUCTION
1. The initial study into the future of the Hong Kong Garrison was
begun in 1985. Two years later CDS 7/87 (1) was published. Inter alia,
the Chiefs of Staff directed that the Withdrawal Plan be reviewed
every two years up to the point of departure from Hong Kong in 1997.
The last review was carried out in 1989 (2), and a further review is
required this year, 1991.
2.
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Under original arrangements, the Hong Kong Government (HKG) requested a major review to be conducted by an unspecified date in
.1992. A point 5 years before the final withdrawal was seen as a
crucial one in the formulation of decisions relating to commercial re-
investment in Hong Kong with implications for the security and
stability of the Territory. This review and its timing were therefore
an integral part of the preliminary package agreed at the Joint
Liaison Group's (JLG) meeting VIII with the Chinese in 1986. It will
therefore be necessary to consult with the HKG on how and when this
review is to be published, since both the FCO and HKG have advised
that any timescale revision (ie publishing in 1991, not 1992) could
be misconstrued by the Chinese who may well be suspicious and could
(1)
(2)
CDS 7/87 The Hong Kong Garrison outline Withdrawal Plan dated
23 February 1987.
CDS 13/89 - The Hong Kong Garrison outline Withdrawal Plan dated
25 May 1989.
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