TNAG-1592-FCO40-2177-Appointment-of-Sir-David-Wilson-as-new-Governor-of-Hong-Kong-1987 — Page 141

FUTURE OF THE GARRISON

CONFIDENTIAL

1. No decisions have been taken on the future size and shape

of the Hong Kong Garrison beyond that to reduce from five to

four battalions in January 1987 by disbanding 2/7 GR.

After 1997 the Garrison will be replaced by an expanded

Royal Hong Police (RHKP) Force. The rate of expansion

of the RHKP is still under consideration in Hong Kong, but it is

likely to increase from a current strength of 25,000 to

around 30,000 by 1991. In particular, it is envisaged

that the Police Tactical Units (PTUs) will increase from six

to 14 companies. The PTUS have a para-military role, and

number some 170 men drawn for a short period of service from

other parts of the RHKP; the men undergo specialist training,

and then return to ordinary police duties. It is the PTUS

which would replace the Garrison both in assuming responsibility

for the Border, and in supporting the conventional police in

the internal security role.

2. The rate at which the new PTUS are created is therefore

critical to consideration of the reduction in the Garrison.

The first PTU company is likely to be on the Border around 1990/91,

but the RHKP is unlikely to take full responsibility for the

Border until 1993.

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CONFIDENTIAL