TNAG-1638-FCO40-2282-Future-of-Hong-Kong-withdrawal-of-the-British-garrison-1987 — Page 31

SECRET

THE 'SOVEREIGN FORCE HONG KONG

-

39. Initial Strength. The Garrison's current operational IS and border commitments can be carried out by a force of 4 resident infantry battalions without detriment to essential military training. Whilst the ultimate intention is to reduce the Sovereign Force to a single battalion group, the military assessment is that the minimum garrison strength which could currently satisfy the political requirements post 1993 and which could act in support of the HKG during the initial period prior to the RHKP assuming responsibility for all the IS and anti-II tasks is a force of 3 resident, uncommitted infantry battalions. In the light of the present threat appreciation it is assessed that, once the expanded RHKP is fully operational,

provided a the force could comprise 2 resident battalions third, in-theatre, acclimatised reserve battalion remained in Brunei (8), ie. a '21' force.

-

-

40.

Final Strength. If security and stability in Hong Kong are maintained and subject to PRC acquiescence, financial implications and the future of the Brunei (reserve) battalion it may prove possible to realise the ultimate intention of a Sovereign Force comprising a single battalion group, ie. a 1+1 force. It is recommended that initial plans be based on 2+1 force, with the 1+1 option being retained as the ideal final

presence.

41. Role. As already indicated (paragraph 32), once the RHKP have assumed responsibility for all the military tasks, the role of the Sovereign Force would be to demonstrate HMG's commitment to maintain the sovereignty of Hong Kong until 1997.

whatever its eventual size Therefore, the role of the force -

Note:

8. The Confidential Agreement with Brunei regarding the stationing of the Gurkha Battalion has been extended by 5 years to 1993. A further extension may be considered in the early 1990s.

COS S/184 (2)

19

SECRET