TNAG-1638-FCO40-2282-Future-of-Hong-Kong-withdrawal-of-the-British-garrison-1987 — Page 29

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of the reinforcements would be seriously limited because knowledge of the ground and contact with the Police could not be ensured. In addition, reaction time, the demands of logistic support, lack of acclimatisation and the possibility that the airhead might not be useable, all militate against an option based on contingency reinforcement. Moreover, if reinforcements were needed, the PRCG might itself intervene using forces based in the PRC. For these reasons the early implementation of the 'zero' option is unlikely to be supported by HMG or HKG; the views of the PRCG are not known. Nevertheless, the future adoption of this option - assuming that prevailing conditions are entirely suitable during the latter years should not be entirely discounted. At this stage, however, the 'zero' option is not recommended.

to

C. The Token Force Option. Once the enhanced Police plan has been achieved, it may be considered that merely a small, token military force would be sufficient to represent the UK's commitment to Hong Kong. However, such a token force could become a hostage to fortune the embarrassment of both HMG and HKG. The option of providing major reinforcement is ruled out for the reasons explained under Option b. Thus, while the token force offers many of the attractions of the 'zero' option above, including support to HKG, it would also involve unacceptably high political risks. It is not therefore considered a

viable option at this stage.

d. The Sovereign Force Phased Withdrawal Option. The retention of a military garrison bearing the title 'Sovereign Force Hong Kong' would meet the need to signal British sovereignty and HMG's continuing political commitment to the Territory. As the Police force's capability developed, the Sovereign Force would gradually relinquish direct operational responsibility for IS and anti-II tasks. During the period 1987-1997 the strength of the Sovereign Force could therefore be reduced from the current level of 4

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COS S/184 (2)

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