ecycled Paper
SEGRET
UK EYES A
3.
The Minister considers that a more desirable option to that proposed, might be to withdraw the capacity to support the RHKP in the internal security role, but retain the capability to reinforce Hong Kong if necessary. Provided that reinforcement plans were sufficiently detailed, and adequate stockpiles were left in Hong Kong, the Minister considers it unlikely that the Chinese would perceive the stability of the area to be sufficiently threatened to warrant military intervention. Essentially, therefore, the garrison would be reduced to the level of a symbolic presence. To achieve this, Mr Hamilton suggests that the amalgamation of the two existing Gurkha battalions be brought forward to the earliest possible date. With this amalgamation complete, the British infantry battalion could be withdrawn from Hong Kong and reintegrated into the emergency tour plot. The garrison would then be manned by a single Gurkha battalion until the end of 1996. At that stage, the Gurkha battalion could be replaced, for the final 6 months of UK presence, by a British infantry battalion on roulement.
4.
Minister(AF) accepts that such a plan involves elements of risk, would require full consideration by OPD and careful handling with the the Hong Kong Government and more widely. Given today's announcements by the Hong Kong Governor over the publication of draft reform legislation, the timing of any announcement on this matter would also be critical. Nonetheless, when weighed against the possibility of finessing the current financial challenges posed by the disagreement over the DCA, and the likelihood of an increasing requirement for British forces to participate in other theatres of operation, the Minister believes this option for further reductions to the military presence in Hong Kong should not be dismissed out of hand. Mr Hamilton would propose, therefore, that an alternative plan, along the lines suggested, be fully investigated and submitted for consideration alongside the current proposal.
5.
Minister (AF) would be happy to discuss this further with Secretary of State and other Ministerial colleagues.
SEBRET
UK EYES A
CN HARPER Wg Cdr
MA/Minister (AF) MB6113 82551MB