TNAG-1939-FCO40-2765-Future-of-Hong-Kong-defence-and-public-order-1989 — Page 40

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before relinquishing sovereignty.

They suggest that the Hong Kong public would find it richly ironic and that the Chinese, who have never acknowledged British sovereignty over Hong Kong would be perplexed and irritated by a gesture

they would perhaps interpret as provocation. For these reasons, it is proposed that the term "Sovereign Force Hong Kong" be discarded and that the garrison retain the title "Hong Kong Garrison" until the final handover.

EXCO MEETING OF 28 FEB 89

45.

EXCO considered a summary of this paper, prepared by

the FCO in consultation with MOD, on 28 February 1989. This

procedure was authorised so that an indication of the HKG's

views regarding aspects of the first revise of CDS 7/87 could be reflected in the paper itself. The following considerations are particularly relevant:

Redacted

under FOI exemption section 27(1)

a. The Conclusions of the Review. EXCO endorsed the

conclusions.

b. Retention of a Naval Presence and Two Battalions.

EXCO recorded that it might well be in Hong Kong's

interests to retain a naval presence and 2 battalions up to 1997 (the latter is not a recommendation of this

They stated it was now apparent paper).

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are no

that the original reasons for early withdrawal

longer valid: it is now considered that the Chinese are likely to make decisions about their post-1997 deployment in Hong Kong irrespective of future reductions in the British Garrison. EXCO indicated

that future decisions on naval and military strength

should therefore be taken solely on the basis of the

practical and psychological needs in Hong Kong. EXCO stated they would need to take a considered view at a later stage on what those needs will be.

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