10.
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C. The 1993 Review of the Outline Withdrawal Plan would need to take the attitude of the HKG into account. HKG support for 'Stronger for
Longer' might come into question.
d. MOD had to consider the ramifications of the withdrawal from HK elsewhere in the region. It would impact upon (for example) FPDA, UK/PRC relations and the long-term future of the Brigade of Gurkhas.
e. The profile of the VM issue had declined considerably at MOD.
Ministers no longer required their specific approval to be obtained for each occasion on which the Garrison was requested to assist in ORP. It was recognised that there was now a long term solution to the problem.
f.
The Nationality Issue and its implications for LEP/LEC continued to "rumble on". Only 1 in 7 LEP were likely to receive passports, and fewer LEC. However, MOD would continue to press the issue where appropriate with the Governor and Ministers.
In conclusion, Mr Howard stated that after the difficult years of 1989-91, the future actually looked better, with the foundation to resolve problems on the withdrawal well-laid.
11. Discussion. Mr Howard was asked to expand on the basis for his doubts concerning future HKG support for 'Stronger for Longer'. Mr Howard referred to the attitude of the HKG towards the 91 Review (they had argued for an option of early withdrawal of the Second Gurkha battalion and for an early review of helicopter force levels), the existence of elements within the HKG who wish the Garrison to adopt a lower profile, and to political pressures on the HKG which had produced a different attitude from that of 18 months ago.
CBF added that success with the airport negotiations in the future might reduce support for
Stronger for Longer' within the HKG and HK community. Mr Hamill, CA HQBF HK, added that the 1989 Tianenmen Square incident had fuelled support for Stronger for Longer', but that this was reducing with the passage of time.
ITEM 5 MINUTES OF LAST MEETING
12. All matters arising from the last meeting having been addressed, or included as later Agenda Items, the Chairman proposed that they be accepted by the HKSC as a true record. This was agreed and duly noted.
All
Secretary
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