RN
SECRET UK EYES A
patrol craft, but there will be strong Hong Kong Government pressure to retain them till the end whatever option is considered for the land element of the garrison.
7. The current Garrison strength is summarised at Annex A, but the basic difference, in terms of teeth arms, between that and the minimum force level described in paragraph 6 is that there are three infantry battalions in the territory rather than the minimum requirement of two. When we were considering the case for maintaining the Garrison "stronger for longer" in the aftermath of the Tiananmen Square massacre, it was considered that it would be prudent to delay the withdrawal of the surplus battalion until 1995, and the 1991 review of the withdrawal plan was carried out on that basis. It would be possible to preserve that line, but the military rationale for retaining the present force level until 1995 now looks doubtful and it is quite clear that earlier Hong Kong Government support for "stronger for longer" has evaporated, primarily on grounds of cost, thus removing the political imperative. The 1993 review should accordingly be based on the assumption that the next battalion withdrawal which will actually be achieved by the amalgamation of 2GR and 6GR should take place in the second half of 1994. Our understanding is that the Governor supports this middle route.
Support Units
8. A decision to withdraw a battalion in 1994 will have an impact on the rate of rundown of the those units in support of the infantry. The detail of this will be addressed during the review itself. There will also be a steady reduction in the number of uniformed locally enlisted personnel (LEP) and locally entered civilians (LEC) who currently number 1500 and 2580 respectively.
Ending of accompanied service
9. It will be necessary to cease accompanied service some 8-11
SECRET UK EYES A