TNAG-1939-FCO40-2765-Future-of-Hong-Kong-defence-and-public-order-1989 — Page 22

ZA

SECRET UK EYES A

LOCSEN

18. In addition to the above, 2 issues were developed during 1988, which have assumed importance as planning

factors:

a.

In

Revised Roles and Tasks and Revised Directive. acknowledgement of Hong Kong's changed situation since the signing of the Joint Declaration in 1984, MOD proposed changes to the role and tasks of the garrison; these were agreed by Min (AF) in March 1988 (7). In

essence these involved a change from conventional

limited War (LW) to resist Chinese aggression, to a more realistic future role of being prepared to respond as appropriate to any incursion or infringement of Hong

Kong's territorial integrity. The Garrison's tasks were

formally identified as being to assist the HKG to maintain stability and security and to sustain confidence in British sovereignty in the Territory

until 30 June 1997. These roles and tasks were

incorporated in the revised CDS Directive to CBF Hong Kong (8) and are reproduced at Annex C.

b. Revised Concept of Operations. In the light of these revised roles and tasks, CBF Hong Kong has developed a new Concept of Operations, which provides for the simultaneous demonstration of sovereignty and

execution of IS tasks. The essence of the Concept is

the provision of mobile reserves. While the Garrison

consists of 4 battalions, one will be on anti-II duties

on the Border at all times, two battalions will be

earmarked primarily for IS duties, and the fourth battalion will be employed as the mobile reserve to be

Notes:

CDS 2051/1 dated 18 March 1988.

CDS 44/88 - CDS Directive to Commander British Forces Hong Kong dated 2 December 1988.

1. 8.

COS53.4-15

11 LOCSEN

UK EYES A

SECRET