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HMS TAMAR, and Osborn Barracks, which has a key role in contingency plans for the reinforcement of the Garrison. Even in these cases, however, HQ BFHK would consider any proposals for relocations which did not impair capabilities. But until this issue is resolved, either by agreement with the Chinese or by a decision to ignore the PRC's wishes and proceed with the reprovisioning of the urban sites, it is impossible to predict the impact of this issue on the Withdrawal Plan. Given that the infantry battalions are all based away from the urban
this areas,
should not
their influence planning for
withdrawal
significantly, but logistic and support units may be more directly
affected.
Retention of Flexibility.
59.
It is clear therefore that there are considerable areas of
uncertainty which, when coupled with
with the unpredictable nature of
events in the Far East,
the Far East, reinforces the need to retain the current
philosophy of the Withdrawal Plan; that of flexibility based on a pragmatic, "event led" approach. The Garrison, which underpins both the internal security of the Territory and provides physical evidence of continuing British sovereignty, must be sufficiently well balanced to react in a timely manner to unforeseen events should the need arise. The correct level of in-place forces who are familiar with both RHKP procedures and the complexity of the Territory itself is
most important. Reliance should not in the first instance be placed on reinforcements being flown in from either Brunei or the UK, with the inevitable delays that that would incur.
Public Relations.
60. Media interest, particularly in the 12 months preceding
withdrawal, will
will be substantial and will
will centre not only on the
administrative arrangements but the whole spectrum of Hong Kong's political, social and commercial stability. These are primarily areas of FCO concern, nevertheless, the military withdrawal arrangements
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