TNAG-1638-FCO40-2282-Future-of-Hong-Kong-withdrawal-of-the-British-garrison-1987 — Page 97

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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

50. 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.

WITHDRAWAL SEQUENCE

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FACTORS

51. Apart from revisions to the threat assessment and the progress of the Police Expansion Plan, 3 factors will affect the sequence of withdrawal of the Sovereign Force battalions. These are

summarised below:

a.

G

The 'Gurkha or UK' Final Presence Issue. Conflicting financial, administrative, logistic and operational arguments are deployed in the debate concerning the

preferred nationality Gurkha or UK of the 'Final

Presence'. There is a political imperative to retain a symbol of sovereignty to the end, and a need to reassure the PRCG of the UK's commitment to the Territory. It is therefore judged that the best basis for planning is to incorporate a significant UK element in the 'Sovereign

Force Hong Kong' until the date of the final withdrawal

from the Territory. During the final stage the UK element could serve on a roulement basis; however, if relocated to

Borneo Lines it would be possible for the unit to remain accompanied until the last few months.

COS S/172(11

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