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UK EYES A LOCSEN
tension in the Territory grew and the safety of UK personnel was at
risk.
52. To achieve this "thinning out" process, some services will have to cease in 1996. Because of GCSE and Gurkha educational requirements it would be most convenient to close secondary schools at the end of
the summer term; i.e. in July 1996. It would be ideal if most families were able to spend Christmas 1996 together, and for accompanied service to end by mid January 1997. Primary schools
should close before Christmas and families could relocate in UK in
time for children to restart school in the Spring term at the new
station. This would leave the Garrison unaccompanied for the final 6 months, and Supporting Services could be reduced accordingly.
53. Early Arms Plot planning will
will be crucial to ensure minimum
disruption for those battalions and sub-units remaining in Hong Kong
for the final period. Those stations earmarked for the last UK battalion to return to in June/July 1997 will have to have sufficient spare married quarters to accommodate a number of families who may, for schooling reasons, wish to return to UK in time for the Autumn
term in 1996. A further number must be available to cater for the
remainder returning in the New Year 1997. Similar planning will have
to be undertaken for the last Gurkha battalion to leave, although its
needs will be rather different to its UK counterpart.
54. In the event of planned reductions in the Brigade of Gurkhas completely changing the Hong Kong Garrison manning plot, it is assumed. that any UK battalions sent to Hong Kong as replacements would be
unaccompanied. This being the case, the Supporting Services in both Hong Hong and at the battalion's home station would be unaffected.
55. Summary. The preferred solution is for accompanied service to end in Hong Kong by early January 1997, with a commensurate reduction. in those services supporting families at that time. Secondary schools
should close at the end of the Summer term in 1996. Facilities should
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