TNAG-1938-FCO40-2764-Future-of-Hong-Kong-defence-and-public-order-1989 — Page 110

f

49B

SECRET UK EYES A LOCSEN

43. If the concept of advancing the major review to 1991 is endorsed by the

COS, it will be necessary to consult with the HKG on the issue because the ori-

ginal call for such a review came from the EXCO. It is also relevant that the

Chinese have been informed that the major review will take place in 1992; it

will therefore be necessary to advise the PRCG, through the medium of the JLG,

of any timescale revision. The FCO and HFG have advised that the review has

different connotations for the Chinese. They have pointed out that:

Redacted

under FOI exemption section 27(1)

a. The review and its timing were an integral part of the preliminary

package agreed at JLG VIII (ie expansion of local services, withdrawal of

the garrison and the transfer of defence responsibility).

b.

The Chinese may well be suspicious and could interpret advancement

of the review as reflecting an interest in accelerating withdrawal plans.

C. It would not be to our advantage to risk undermining Chinese con-

fidence in our motives, while we are still pressing for other important

objectives on the defence front.

d. Careful consideration will be required regarding the timing of the

approach to the Chinese and the reasons given to explain the change.

GARRISON TITLE

44. CDS 7/87 introduced the concept of the title "Sovereign Force Hong Kong"

for the Hong Kong garrison in order to meet the need to signal British

ROW 113 (HONG)

28

SECRET UK EYES A LOCSEN