TNAG-1938-FCO40-2764-Future-of-Hong-Kong-defence-and-public-order-1989 — Page 98

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should nevertheless be maintained at the leanest, practicable level possible.

The first significant reductions in Army supporting arms and services will take

place in 1992. A number of studies will be conducted by HQBFHK during 1989,

based on the new Concept of Operations; these will provide the foundation of

plans for the progressive withdrawal of supporting arms and services related to

the operational requirements of the reducing garrison.

24. Review of JTP 30. JTP 30, Reference D, is the contingency plan for the

reinforcement of Hong Kong. The next review of JTP 30 is scheduled for Mar 90;

this date should not be revised as this timescale will permit the incorporation

of findings of studies conducted by HQBFHK in 1989. Thereafter, JTP 30 is to be

reviewed biennially.

HELICOPTER SUPPORT

25. Wessex Force Level - Constraint.

Constraint. CDS 7/87 envisaged the HKGFSD expanding -

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in 1989 - by the addition of 2 Aerospatiale Dauphin or similar helicopters.

Given the availability of these aircraft, it was planned to reduce the Wessex

Aircraft Establishment (AE) from 8 to 6 aircraft in that year. However, the HKG

discarded its initial plan and the procurement programme was delayed. In Jan 89

HKG indicated that the Finance Committee had approved funds for the HKGFSD

expansion programme and advised that firm orders for 8 helicopters would be

placed. The HKG forecast that 3 should arrive in 1989/90 to replace the

present Dauphins, with 3 further aircraft arriving in 1990 and one further

helicopter in both 1991 and 1992. The HKG have advised that, by 1992, the HKGFSD

will be able to provide all support necessary for the police; they have also

stated that options for 4 further machines will be taken out to be exercised

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ROW 113 (HONG)