TNAG-1638-FCO40-2282-Future-of-Hong-Kong-withdrawal-of-the-British-garrison-1987 — Page 13

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1.

HONG KONG GARRISON OUTLINE WITHDRAWAL PLAN

INTRODUCTION

The study of the future of the Hong Kong Garrison began in 1985 and has been conducted in three stages. The first reconsidered proposals to build a new barracks (Kohima) and station a second UK infantry battalion in Hong Kong. The second concerned the disbandment of 2/7 GR and the release of Ly emun Barracks. Both stages have been implemented. This paper covers the final stage the withdrawal of the Garrison over the period 1987-97.

G

2. An inherent difficulty in the planning process is the fact that discussions between HMG and the Hong Kong Government (HKG) on the wider aspects of the transition period are ongoing. In addition, the views of the Government of the People's Republic of China (PRCG) to whom we are committed to explaining our intentions have to be considered. The paper reflects these

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constraints. It also takes account of separate plans drawn up by the Royal Hong Kong Police (RHKP) and CBF Hong Kong (CBFHK) to provide for the security of Hong Kong up to 1997 whilst the Garrison withdraws.

AIM

3. The aim of this paper is to provide an outline plan for the withdrawal of the British Military Garrison from Hong Kong during the period up to 30 June 1997.

ASSUMPTION

4.

Confidence in Chinese Policy. It is assumed that there will be no significant deterioration in the relationship

between the governments of the People's Republic of China (PRC)

and the UK, and that the PRCG will maintain its current pragmatic approach to the future of Hong Kong.

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