TNAG-1938-FCO40-2764-Future-of-Hong-Kong-defence-and-public-order-1989 — Page 84

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the timescales for withdrawal of garrison elements. The final part contains a

summary and makes recommendations.

prescribed by CDS 7/87 are proposed.

No changes to the withdrawal dates

AIM

3. The aim of this paper is to review CDS 7/87

-

the outline plan for the

withdrawal of the British Military Garrison from Hong Kong before 30 June 1997 -

with the objective of determining whether planned force level reductions and

the timescales initially planned for phased withdrawals require amendment.

PART ONE POLITICAL BACKGROUND AND RÉSUMÉ OF CDS 7/87

►

POLITICAL ASPECTS

f

4.

Plans for the future of the British Military Garrison in Hong Kong must

take full account of the political interests of the 3 Governments concerned

HMG, the People's Republic of China Government (PRCG) and the Hong Kong

Government (HKG). For understandable reasons, the Chinese were not fully con-

sulted in the early stages of development of the withdrawal plan; less account

was therefore taken of their actual as opposed to their perceived views than of

those of the other 2 Governments involved. Some of the changes and adjustments

now necessary have come about as a result of debate in various Sino/UK Joint

Liaison Group (JLG) sessions in 1987 and 1988. CDS 7/87 rehearsed the concerns

and intentions of the 3 Governments at some length; these are summarised in

paragraphs 5 to 7.

5. Chinese Perceptions and Intentions. The PRCG is preoccupied by dangers.

associated with instability in the transition period and would therefore wish

ROW 113 (HONG)

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