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SECRET UK EYES A
military withdrawal arrangements will also be a highly visible and
primary focus for media attention. The military Public Relations (PR)
and Public Information (P Info) response will be driven by events and
will need to be shaped to take account of the overall background in
which the final withdrawal of the Garrison takes place. Final details
of the presentation of particular events can therefore only be
addressed as key dates approach, but a general policy line of positive
and open dealing with the media should be adopted in order to preclude
ill-informed speculation. This should include the publication of key
milestones in the withdrawal of the Garrison once approved by
Ministers and COS.
34. PR/P Info activity must demonstrate not only an orderly military
withdrawal but also provide tangible evidence that HMG's defence
responsibilities and commitments to HK are being met until 1997. Also,
PR/P Info should contribute significantly to securing (in HK, the UK
and international circles) support for and acceptance of military
decisions and the rationale behind them.
35. 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
Info organisation required to achieve this. The size and
seniority of PR/P Info staff should be kept under review. To ensure
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SECRET UK EYES A
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