TNAG-1938-FCO40-2764-Future-of-Hong-Kong-defence-and-public-order-1989 — Page 113

SECRET UK EYES A LOCSEN

PART FOUR

SUMMARY AND RECOMMENDATIONS

FIRST REVISE OF HONG KONG GARRISON WITHDRAWAL PLAN SUMMARY

46.

Introduction.

The first review of CDS 7/87, conducted between Nov 88 and

Mar 89, has concluded that no changes to the broad timescales originally planned

for the withdrawal of battalions and supporting naval and air forces (except AAC

Scouts) are yet warranted. It is necessary to give further consideration to the

requirement to retain a RN presence afloat in Hong Kong between 1991 and 30 Jun

It is proposed that the post 1989 Scout helicopter force level should

be defined as 6UE plus 2 IRR, or 8 UE, depending on the outcome of a 6 months

trial of the former force level during 1989. Moreover, the optimum mix of heli-

copters post 1989 needs review in the light of the revised Concept of

1997.

Operations.

47. Army. Withdrawal of battalions provides the framework for the military

plan which provides overlap and flexibility to cater for slippage of the Police

Expansion plan. The Hong Kong Garrison will reduce by one (Gurkha) battalion to

a total of 3 battalions (2 Gurkha and one UK) in mid 1992 - once the RHKP have

assumed responsibility for half the border by end 1991. It will reduce to 2

battalions (5) after the Police have assumed the major part of the Garrison's

IS, anti-II and special tasks for planning purposes not before 1994. The

remaining 2 battalions will further reduce subject to stable and secure con-

ditions to a single UK battalion group as soon as possible during the period

1994-7. Formal notification is still awaited from the HKG endorsing the

Governor's stated view that two resident battalions will be required until the

-

5

Possibly one Gurkha and one UK, or two UK battalions, one of which would be a roulement battalion.

ROW 113 (HONG)

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