TNAG-1936-FCO40-2762-Future-of-Hong-Kong-defence-and-public-order-1989 — Page 24

ARYAJB

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CALL ON MR MCLAREN BY MAJOR-GENERAL JOHNSON, CBF/HK, ON 7 FEBRUARY

Checklist

HKC062/

小

(a) General

HMG's defence relations with Hong Kong Government (now that the

DCA is behind us).

(a)

JLG discussions:

defence lands

1

Disappointed at slow progress in discussions on Military Estate. We will have to persevere. CBF's assessment of way forward? Need for caution about military to military contacts with China to break deadlock. Press leaks/speculation about negotiations unhelpful. Could delays lead to practical problems (eg BMH)?

(c) Review of Garrison withdrawal plan

CBF's views on the Review? (ExCo being consulted later this month. Concludes we can confirm decision to withdraw first

battalion in 1992.

Any problems with Hong Kong Government's expansion plans for Police, Marine Police, and Auxiliary Air Force?

Review of naval presence to 1997 to be put in hand. Do you/HKG envisage any role for RN once Marine Police have been expanded?

Review of withdrawal plan also commissions DIS study of factors which might lead to unrest in Hong Kong. Wise precaution.

particular areas of concern?

Any

(d)

The Garrison: concept of operations

Have just heard from the Governor about your 'Concept of Operations' paper. Am studying it.

Understand consideration is being given to retaining penultimate battalion until much closer to 1997 than previously envisaged.

Helpful to have your gloss on this.

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