TNAG-1939-FCO40-2765-Future-of-Hong-Kong-defence-and-public-order-1989 — Page 26

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23. Withdrawal of Army Supporting Arms and Services. 7/87 directed that the rundown of Army supporting arms and services was to be linked, rather than tied, to the

withdrawals of battalions.

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C

Clearly, the support of the 3

amajor Gurkha support units the Queens Gurkha Engineers, the Queens Gurkha Signals and the Gurkha Transport Regiment (or alternatives) as well as of many other minor units - will be required until the final withdrawal. However, the size and scale of the Army supporting arms and services should be directly related to the roles and operational requirements of the remaining garrison battalions and RN and RAF units in Hong Kong at all stages of the rundown. Any requirements for Army supporting arms and services to support the Police should also be taken into due

consideration. As a principle, Army supporting arms and services 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 (10), is the contingency plan for the reinforcement of Hong Kong. The next review of JTP 30 is scheduled for March 1990; 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.

Note:

10.

Joint Theatre Plan (JTP) 30 - Contingency Plan for Reinforcement of Hong Kong.

COS53.4-15

15 LOCSEN UK EYES A

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