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SECRET UK EYES A
39. QBF Hong Kong identified in their 'Last 12 Months' paper1 a
need for the operational tasks carried out currently by the RN patrol
craft and by the AAC Scout and RAF Wessex helicopters to be satisfied
by other means, or by non-Garrison forces, from the end of March 1997:
in order to facilitate the timely disposal or removal of these
Garrison assets. The HQBF Hong Kong paper concludes that a NTF should
be available in the Far East to assist the final withdrawal of the
Garrison. The main conclusions of this paper accord with the
Ministerial guidance provided in 'The MOD policy paper 'The Rundown of
the Hong Kong Garrison to 1997'; and will form a basis for the
development of the detailed plan for the final withdrawal of the
Garrison.
POLICY FOR THE TRANSFER OF ASSETS TO THE PEOPLE'S LIBERATION ARMY
40. It will be necessary soon to determine with the Hong Kong
Government the extent of involvement of British Forces Hong Kong in
any the transfer of the defence estate and directly associated assets
(such as accommodation stores and range facilities) to the People's
Liberation Army (PLA). In principle, this should be a HKG 7
responsibility, but the Garrison should be prepared to act as agent in
chill order to contribute where appropriate to the principle of "smooth will not
accept Unavoidably, this
transition" enshrined in the Joint Declaration.
will be linked to the defence lands issue, and underlines the need for
The
17
HK 10011 J3 Ops
The Structure Of BFHK In The Last 12
Months, dated 14 January 1993.
24
SECRET UK EYES A
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