TNAG-1939-FCO40-2765-Future-of-Hong-Kong-defence-and-public-order-1989 — Page 57

SECRET UK EYES A

LOCSEN

4. Penalties. It is also not possible to predict the penalties of delayed decisions with accuracy. In general, delayed decisions will result in:

a.

Overmanning.

b.

C.

Equipment disposal problems.

The possible need to withdraw temporarily to UK, units which could have been disbanded more economically in Hong Kong.

d. Inability to define new unit roles with consequent training penalties.

e. Disruption of command and unit training programmes and commitments, in particular those of the receiving commands.

f.

Uncertainty for soldiers and their dependents with possible adverse effects on morale and efficiency.

g. Barracks and married quarters in UK/BAOR, which will have been identified and prepared, will be left unoccupied and will incur additional costs for guarding and maintenance.

In general terms late decisions will almost certainly prove expensive and thus necessitate compensating reductions elsewhere in the defence budget; uncertainty may effect morale and efficiency.

COS49.24

D1 - 2 LOCSEN

UK EYES A

SECRET