TNAG-1638-FCO40-2282-Future-of-Hong-Kong-withdrawal-of-the-British-garrison-1987 — Page 42

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a. Defence Lands. The programme for withdrawal from Garrison urban sites will need to start early to enable timely re-development by the HKG, who may also need to provide certain alternative specialist facilities for some garrison units. Arrangements for the disposal of certain key sites - such as HQ BF/HMS TAMAR and Osborn barracks

will be critical to the withdrawal programme. The

situation in the New Territories is less problematic but the future utilisation of Borneo Lines, Burma Lines and

Perowne Barracks warrants careful planning.

WITHDRAWAL PLAN SUMMARY

65. Army.

Withdrawal of battalions provides the framework for the military plan. The proposed 'Sovereign Force' would reduce to 3 resident battalions in about 1992 once the RHKP have assumed responsibility for half the border. It would reduce to 2 resident battalions when the Police have assumed all the garrison's IS, anti-II and special tasks - - for planning purposes not before 1994. The remaining 2 battalions would further reduce subject to stable and secure conditions

to a

single UK battalion group as soon as possible during the period 1994-7. The rundown of Army supporting arms and services would be linked but not tied to battalion withdrawals.

66. Navy. The RN's tasks will be assumed gradually by MARPOL. Although 2 PC are redundant now they should continue in their present role until Mar 88. There will be a requirement for 3 PC at least until MARPOL's second batch of 3 improved capability SC vessels have assumed responsibility for the RN's roles not before 1991. 3 RSRM could be withdrawn after MARPOL have established FPC operations during 1988. Conclusion of satisfactory contract arrangements could lead to reductions in the RN's small craft and ferry operations in 1987/88. Subject to the development of HKG facilities, RN Diving, recompression and EOD teams could be withdrawn by 1990.

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COS S/184(2)

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