TNAG-1638-FCO40-2282-Future-of-Hong-Kong-withdrawal-of-the-British-garrison-1987 — Page 22

Redacted under FOI exemption 27(1)

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29. It should also be noted that the proposed expansion of the Police and the British Garrison Withdrawal Plan which is linked

to it will be subject to particular scrutiny by the PRCG (5).

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It would be most unwise to progress either plan without the

tacit approval of the PRCG. In this context considerable diplomacy

will be necessary.

PERCEPTIONS IN HONG KONG

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The HKG plan to increase the strength of the Police to assume all the border control, anti-II and smuggling, air support and secondary internal security roles of the existing Garrison by 1993. In addition, the normal expansion of the Police, in line with the increase in population, will also substantially increase the number of fully trained and equipped Police formations available to maintain internal security. The HKG view this Police expansion as essential to assure the population that the future SARG will be able to assume full responsibility for the maintenance of public order in the SAR from 1 July 1997. The HKG believe that doubt on this score would lead to fear in Hong Kong of a shortfall

Notes:

5.

Peking to FCO Tel No 2412 dated 190308Z Dec 86 titled 'JLG V Police Force Expansion (13 questions)'. 6.

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Peking to FCO Tel No 2291 dated 280855Z Nov 86 titled - 'JLG V Day 4 Police Force Expansion'.

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COS S/184(2)

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