TNAG-1638-FCO40-2282-Future-of-Hong-Kong-withdrawal-of-the-British-garrison-1987 — Page 105

LOCSEN

SECRET

UK EYES A

(66) As the final withdrawal approaches, the level of signal

traffic and secure speech connections to and from UK is likely to increase. It is important therefore that strategic communication bearer systems and the necessary communications manpower should remain available

C sto

availables including

Hose of Cable and Wireless

67. All strategic and tactical communication links between and Hong Kong, and those around the Territory, depend almost entirely on the support of Cable and Wireless Satellite Ground Terminals, HF transmitter and receiver sites, other assets and Civilian personnel. It will be necessary to ensure the availability of these facilities during the final period. The final withdrawal may need to be supported by mobile SATCOM terminals and by DCN HF Contingency Rear Links (CRLs) - possibly via Australia and/or New Zealand.

GENERAL

ANCILLARY PLANNING FACTORS

68. Having addressed the broad constituents of the withdrawal plan there are a number of related ancillary matters which

play an important part in future detailed planning. The major principal

7.

issues are discussed in Annex X. They are summarised below:

2.

relate to Defence hands and MOD property, discured at Annex G, and summarised below:

The withdrawal programme for

withdrawal from Garison uttan

sites

Defence Lands. As many Garrison urban sites as possible should be vacated before 1997 to provent thoir subsequent use by PLA units.

programme will need to start early to enable timely re-development by the HKG, who may also need to provide certain alternative specialist facilities for some garrison units. Arrangements for the disposal of certain key sites such as HQ BF/HMS TAMAR,-and Stanley and Osborn barracks will be critical to the withdrawal programme. The situation in the New Territories is less problematic but the future utilisation of Borneo Lines, Burma Lines and Perowne Barracks warrants careful planning.

COS S/172 (1)

32

UK EYES A

SECRET LOCSEN

:

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