SECRET
1992
after 1993
by 1995 if the
local situation
allowed
1997
withdrawal of first battalion
withdrawal of second battalion, further air reduction
withdrawal of third battalion
withdrawal of fourth battalion
and other forces
XCX(93)29
8
The plan has been reviewed biennially. The first review broadly confirmed the 1987 plan, but recommended that the possibility of retaining an RN presence until 1997 should be studied further. Members endorsed these findings in February 1989.
9
The 1991 review was coloured by events in China in June 1989 and their impact on confidence levels in Hong Kong. There was concern about the potential for major and prolonged instability in Hong Kong in the run-up to 1997. Against this background, the review concluded that the Garrison should remain "stronger for longer", retaining the capability to act as backstop for the Police in an internal security situation until very close to 1997. The new proposal envisaged that, while the first battalion would still be withdrawn in 1992, the second should not go until 1995 at the earliest and the third not until late 1996. The three RN patrol vessels should remain until 1997. Helicopter strengths should be reviewed in 1993.
10
While expressing some concern about the financial implications, Members endorsed the recommendations. They asked that MOD keep open the option of withdrawing the second battalion in 1994 and bring forward the helicopter review to 1992.
Chinese reaction
11
THIS IS A COPY
THE ORIGINAL HAS BEEN
CLOSED UNDER
27(1)..
FOI EXEMPTION NO.... 27 (1)