SECRET
UK EYES A
particular:
C.
(1) Agree that accompanied service should cease in August 1996 for UK servicemen and November 1996 for Gurkhas; and
(2) Agree that the views of the Governor and the FCO on the political and PR profile of the final withdrawal should be sought; and note the option of using the planned RN deployment to the Far East in 1997 for the final withdrawal, subject to final decision by Ministers.
Note the need to make the broad financial implications of our plans for withdrawal clear to the Hong Kong Government.
d.
Agree in principle that, subject to the Governor's agreement, the timetable shown at Annex B should be released for public consumption in Hong Kong and the UK. Separate advice will be provided on the precise modalities of release, which inter alia will cover how it should be presented to the Chinese and other interested Governments.
Annexes:
A.
The Hong Kong Garrison.
Outline Sequence of Events for the Withdrawal of British Forces from Hong Kong: 1992 1997.
B.
kda
COSSEC/S/2.004
7
UK EYES A SECRET