SECRET
Land Forces
18.
As noted in our telno 1949, we are not sure that we are yet in a position to decide that the second Battalion should be retained until 1995. Given that the Police will have taken over full responsibility for the border in 1992 we could have presentational difficulties in justifying the retention of a second Battalion until 1995. We suggest that this matter be reviewed in the context of the 1993 Review. However, it is important that, for planning purposes, arrangements are sufficiently flexible to allow a withdrawal of the second Battalion in 1994 should this be the outcome of the 1993 Review.
19.
Para 79 We agree that it is sensible to retain two Battalions until 1996/97 but the requirement for these Battalions should be reviewed again in 1993.
Air
20.
We have not seen the Wessex Study to which reference is made in Para 88. Given the expansion of the RHKAAF, we believe the requirement for retaining a full complement of Wessex and Scout aircraft needs to be reviewed. We believe that it should be possible to make earlier reductions in air-support without prejudicing operational capability and thereby generating substantial savings.
General
21.
It is important at this juncture to ascertain MOD'S understanding of the "stronger for longer" concept as it relates to future force levels and costs. When assessing the desirable strength of the Garrison up to 1997, there should be no question of the outcome of the exercise affecting the agreed apportionment of costs between HMG and the HKG under the Defence Costs Agreement.
22.
This is an important review, and I hope that you will make these points and any others you may have to MOD. would be helpful to have your and MOD's views on the points above in due course.
SECRET
Yours ever,
Abe Soud.
(A.P. Asprey)
Secretary for Security
It