SECRET UK EYES A LOCSEN
detailed MOD PR Plan, which will in any event need to link in closely
with FCO activity. However, before the withdrawal of the second battalion the outline PR framework must have been agreed and any
intermediate developments related to it. At this point the formal PR Aim must also be established in order to reassure the people of Hong Kong and the public in UK and elsewhere that the withdrawal is being managed in a professional military way designed to preserve confidence and reduce any possible anxiety. The PR Plan can then be translated into a public information policy which is as clear and forthcoming as
circumstances allow.
64.
Reinforcement CPX - EX WINGED DRAGON. Separate attention will
have to be given to the proposed CPX, EX WINGED DRAGON (see paragraph
104). This could become a sensitive PR issue, but in view of the
number of exercises held in Hong Kong each year, it should not attract
undue public interest; it will depend very much on what other events,
either in Hong Kong or worldwide, draw media attention at that particular time. Nevertheless, DPR (A) together with DPR (HK) and the FCO must prepare a defensive PR plan which takes account of the fact that the departure of the first battalion happens to coincide with the
exercise.
CBF's Revised Directive.
65. CBF Hong Kong's Directive from CDS (4) will be revised and reissued shortly to take account of changes in command and control of assigned forces, and the budgetary arrangements for overseas garrisons
that will obtain upon implementation of the New Management Strategy
(NMS) which came into effect on 01 April 1991.
66.
Command and Control. Aspects of C2 will be addressed once the COS Paper "Relationship between CDS and Overseas Commands" has been
(3) CDS 44/88
Page 2 of 47 pages
LOCSEN
UK EYES A SECRET