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and international circles) support for and acceptance of military
decisions and the rationale behind them.
36. The PR/P Info Plan for the withdrawal of the Garrison should
continue to be reviewed and developed on a rolling basis. It should be
briefed to the Hong Kong Steering Committee at 6 monthly intervals. It
should take account of the handling of PR/P Info to 1997 and of the
PR/P Info organisation required to achieve this. The size and
seniority of PR/P Info staff should be kept under review. To ensure
continuity, changes to core PR manpower should cease after early 1995.
Responsibility for overall PR/P Info direction in Hong Kong rests with
the Press Secretary in MOD, although the management of day to day
issues will be controlled by CBF through the HQBF PR/P Info staff. The
potential sensitivities of the rundown of the Garrison underline the
need for continuing close liaison between MOD, CBF, the HKG and the
FCO: facilitated by a Press Policy Group (PPG), and ensuring the
development of coordinated PR and P Info policy.
THE LAST 12 MONTHS AND SUPPORT FOR THE FINAL DEPARTURE
37. The 1991 Review included a brief discussion of BFHK in the Last
12 Months. It concluded that at least one battalion plus supporting
elements would be required until 30 June 1997, and that the final
withdrawal of these forces might require the support of a Naval Task
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