TNAG-1939-FCO40-2765-Future-of-Hong-Kong-defence-and-public-order-1989 — Page 12

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1989 REVIEW OF THE HONG KONG GARRISON OUTLINE WITHDRAWAL PLAN

INTRODUCTION

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1. The study of the future of the Hong Kong Garrison began in 1985; it has been conducted in three stages. The first reconsidered proposals to build a new barracks (Kohima) and station a second UK infantry battalion in Hong Kong. The second concerned the disbandment of 2/7 GR and the release of Lyemun Barracks. Both these stages have been implemented. CDS 7/87 (1), covered the final stage detailed the plan for the withdrawal of the garrison over the period 1987-1997. When the Chiefs of Staff approved the plan in February 1987, they directed that it should be reviewed biennially and that the next review should be held in 1989 unless future events dictated otherwise. This has not proved necessary and this paper therefore constitutes the first, formal review of CDS 7/87. A major review of CDS 7/87 is currently planned for 1992, 5 years before the handover of Hong Kong on 30 June 1997.

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To reduce the need to cross refer to CDS 7/87, the 1989 Review is compiled as a 4 part, stand-alone document. The first part provides a résumé of CDS 7/87. The second and third parts examine factors and developments bearing on the timescales for withdrawal of garrison elements. The final part contains a summary and makes recommendations. No changes to the withdrawal dates prescribed by CDS 7/87 are proposed.

Note:

CDS 7/87 - The Hong Kong Garrison Outline Withdrawal Plan dated 23 February 1987.

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