TNAG-1938-FCO40-2764-Future-of-Hong-Kong-defence-and-public-order-1989 — Page 95

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PART THREE PROGRESS OF HKG AND RHKP PLANS

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IMPLICATIONS AND JUDGEMENTS

INTRODUCTION

19. As previously indicated, the Hong Kong Garrison Withdrawal

Plan was conceived so that it would link with the expansion of the RHKP's capa-

bilities. The Police Plan is therefore a crucial factor bearing on the imple-

mentation of the Garrison Withdrawal. The progress of the Police Plan, the

resultant implications and other related factors affecting the withdrawal

leading to conclusions - are examined in the following paragraphs.

THE LAND BORDER

Redacted under FOI exemption section 27(1)

20. Police Expansion and Battalion Reductions. The RHKP's planned recruitment

programme commenced a year late.

Chinese

and are now developing their training programmes.

Notwithstanding this set-back, the RHKP's target dates for assumption of respon-

sibilities on the Border remain in line with CDS 7/87. The Police still envi-

sage taking over half the Border by end 1991. The HKG attach great importance

to meeting this deadline because it will enable the RHKP to demonstrate to the

well before 1997 their reliability to assume responsibilities in the

SAR post 1997. The HKG views the Police Expansion Plan as flexible and, if

necessary, could reallocate resources so that PTUS can man half the Border by

end 1991; this would allow the Garrison to reduce by one battalion in 1992.

Thereafter, the Police envisage their achievement of capability will accelerate;

their current timetable for assumption of responsibility for the whole Border is

by the end of 1992 earlier than forecast by CDS 7/87. However, the date of

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ROW 113 (HONG)

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