TNAG-1938-FCO40-2764-Future-of-Hong-Kong-defence-and-public-order-1989 — Page 36

f

SECRET UK EYES A

LOCSEN

public could require delicate handling.

For these reasons,

it is proposed that, subject to the COS endorsing the

concept of a reinforcement exercise, the timing of the

exercise should be determined in close consultation with the

HKG.

COMMUNICATIONS PLANNING

41.

Sufficient supporting CIS facilities commensurate with operations will be required in Hong Kong throughout the period of withdrawal. Their ultimate removal or abandonment will need further study as part of the major review discussed in the following paragraph.

MAJOR REVIEW

TIMESCALE

42. A major wide-ranging review of CDS 7/87 is currently scheduled to take place in 1992. This timescale was originally selected because it falls 5 years before the final withdrawal; it was recognised that 1991 would see the formulation of crucial decisions relating to commercial re-investment in Hong Kong with implications for the security and stability of the Territory. Under current arrangements the next biennial review of CDS 7/87 will be completed in February 1991, with the major review requested by the HKG being conducted by an unspecified date the following year. However, this paper proposes that the first battalion should cease operational service in mid-1992 and withdraw from Hong Kong in the third quarter. This will be a crucial event and it is considered advisable that the withdrawal decision, if announced in 1989, should be scheduled for final - albeit entirely discreet confirmatory clearance by the COS by the end of 1991. this objective in mind, it is proposed that the next

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With

COS49.6-17

27 LOCSEN

UK EYES A

SECRET