CODE 18-77
Reference
fice (Tos (103)
SECRET
Mr Rickerd, SEAD
HKA 063/1
な
1 ... 1993
OPD (K) PAPER: WITHDRAWAL OF THE HONG KONG GARRISON
1. Thank you for your minute or 15 June.
your.
I apologise that SEAD were not involved in the drafting process earlier on.
2.
I hope that Ministers will not have the impression that a Hong Kong role for the Brunei Garrison as an acclimatised reserve no longer exists. The paper made very clear that a faster timetable for the rundown of the Garrison increases the need for effective and credible reinforcement plans. The MOD however did not wish to specify in the paper that any reinforcement would necessarily be from Brunei.
They will
wish to keep their options open in the light of operational requirements at the time of any proposed reinforcement.
3.
I agree that we should warn the sultan of any public announcement and reassure him that the withdrawal will not effect the Brunei Garrison. However, as you will understand from the paper, the public handling here and in Hong Kong will require very careful management. We intend that senior officers in the Hong Kong Garrison would only be informed very shortly before an announcement is made. I hope therefore that you will accept that the Sultan should only be informed a day or so before an announcement is made.
RAJ Bunten Hong Kong Dept WH 305 270-2655
16 June 1993
cc Mr Callway, NPDD
Ms Kazer, RAD
Mr Howard, SEC(O) (C), MOD
SECRET