TNAG-1638-FCO40-2282-Future-of-Hong-Kong-withdrawal-of-the-British-garrison-1987 — Page 34

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a.

Phase 1 (Preparatory Phase) 1987-91. This is the initial stage of the RHKP expansion. It is also during this phase that the roles of the Hong Kong Sqn RN Patrol Craft (PC) and 3 Raiding Sqn Royal Marines (3 RSRM) are planned to be assumed by the Marine Police (MARPOL). This is the most predictable period and the one during which the majority of the Hong Kong community will begin to prepare for the future.

b. Phase 2 (Watershed Phase) 1992-94. This covers the

period of the major withdrawals prior to leaving the proposed,

interim 2 + 1 battalion 'Sovereign Force Hong Kong'. It is, at present, an unpredictable phase during which indications of the situation likely to prevail in the last years of British rule should begin to become clearer. Changes to

plans are more likely during this phase. The situation will need to be watched carefully and reviewed constantly.

C. Phase 3 (Final Phase) 1994-97. This is the phase during

which the reduction to the single battalion group should

occur

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subject to the existence of favourable conditions. This phase will witness the withdrawal of the final UK

military presence.

47. The following paragraphs look more closely at some of the issues concerning land, sea, air and other related matters which have a bearing on the withdrawal.

GENERAL

THE ARMY PLAN

48. The withdrawal of battalions, the key factor in the rundown plan, has already been covered. In summary, the proposed 'Sovereign Force Hong Kong' will reduce to 3 resident battalions in about 1992 and subsequently to 2 resident battalions but

not before 1994. The ultimate intention is to reduce to a single battalion group at the earliest practicable stage, provided Hong Kong's stability and security are assured in the final years approaching 1997.

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