TNAG-1937-FCO40-2763-Future-of-Hong-Kong-defence-and-public-order-1989 — Page 77

"

oy!

We have hold the Chinese

Mant 1981.

SECRET UK EYES A LOCSEN

22. Announcement of First Battalion Withdrawal.

It has been HMG's practice to

explain to the PRCG at all stages what plans are involved in the withdrawal of

the Hong Kong Garrison.

HMG considers it desirable to continue this process.

The earliest possible communication to the PRCG of the UK's intention to

withdraw the first (Gurkha) battalion was therefore deemed advisable; this was

considered necessary to minimise the risk of a delayed Chinese response

precluding the timely announcement of decisions taken by Ministers regarding the

future of the Brigade of Gurkhas, and the announcement by mid 1989 latest, of

the withdrawal of the first (Gurkha) battalion in mid 1992 - assuming this was

linked to amalgamation. The 3 years lead time for announcement of a withdrawal

tied to amalgamation was prescribed by the critical planning parameters deve-

loped for CDS 7/87 and recorded at Annex D. The Chinese were accordingly

notified in Jan 89 of HMG's intention to make an announcement in mid 1989 and in your offer but dito. However, the

regarding withdrawal of the first battalion from Hong Kong

Executive Committee of the Army Board (ECAB) has now determined that the

penalties imposed by failing to meet the 3 years lead time are not critical and

that a decision regarding the amalgamation or alternative disposal of the first

battalion withdrawn would be deferred until 1990. It is therefore proposed

that, if the COS endorse the CDS 7/87 recommendation to withdraw the first

(Gurkha) battalion in mid 1992, this should be publicly announced in mid 1989 -

at the same time as an announcement on the future of the Gurkhas as a whole -

and together with a notification that the decision on the future disposal of the

first battalion withdrawn will be promulgated in 1990.

23. Withdrawal of Army Supporting Arms and Services. CDS 7/87 directed that

the rundown of Army supporting arms and services was to be linked, rather than

ROW 113 (HONG)

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SECRET UK EYES A LOCSEN