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Any of the remaining items, and the remainder will be sold if possible or destroyed locally. The future of the RN Patrol Craft is being studied as part of LTC 94 and their future will depend on the outcome of this study.
24. HQBF HK should agree a procedure with the HKG which ensures that there are no delays resulting from the consultation over disposals required by the DCA. D Sales (Disposals) should delegate disposal authority to HQBF HK up to an agreed financial limit. Credits or receipts from any transfer or sale of equipment should be dealt with in accordance with the DCA. Where gifting is contemplated, early clearance should be sought from AUS (GF) in accordance with JSP 414.
POLICY FOR THE TRANSFER OF ASSETS TO THE PEOPLE'S LIBERATION ARMY
25. It will be necessary to prepare a detailed plan for the handover of the defence estate and any directly associated assets (such as accommodation stores and range facilities) to the Peoples's Liberation Army (PLA). In practice, the HKG will need to act as agent, but the Garrison should be prepared to provide a high level of assistance in order to contribute where appropriate to the principle of "smooth transition" enshrined in the Joint Declaration.
26.
Arrangements for the transfer
transfer of defence responsibility imply that in due course members of the Garrison may need to deal directly with the PLA. Ministers have recently agreed' that this contact should be sanctioned and the Chinese have been approached for their initial views on the necessary modalities.
27. Early, clear direction on the size of the defence estate and on what assets are to be left behind will ease the planning process. In principle, as much as possible should be left in situ rather than back-loaded to the UK thereby reducing the workload in the final months. The HKG have acknowledged the need for a focal point in
in Hong Kong for withdrawal
for withdrawal planning and have directed that the Garrison Withdrawal and Local Services Expansion Review Committee take on this role. It will coordinate the work on defence estate and equipment disposal matters and ensure timely HKG decisions and support to BFHK in the rundown period.
PUBLIC RELATIONS AND THE RELEASE OF INFORMATION TO THE PUBLIC
28. The military Public Relations (PR) and Public Information (P Info) response will be driven by events and must continue to take account of the overall background against which the withdrawal of the Garrison takes place. Details of presentation of particular events can therefore only be addressed
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APS/S of S MO 6/19/1G, dated 25 Jun 93.
the
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