TNAG-1939-FCO40-2765-Future-of-Hong-Kong-defence-and-public-order-1989 — Page 71

SEGRETIUKEYEYES A

MINISTRY OF DEFENCE

Main Building Whitehall London SW1A 2HB Telephone 01-2186838 (Direct Dialling)

01-218 8000

(Switchboard)

HKC062

See Distribution

VCDS FAR EAST TOUR APR MAY 89

-

Reference:

A. Seoul A2T/Z8H/EAD 0401102 MAY 89.

1.

Your reference

Our reference

170

Copy No 2 of 52

VCDS 1229/1

Date

18 May 89

Paul

ра

176

generally confinns

what we know already. {66) is of some onlinst.

Mc Faserman 2 10

Any interest,?

징

At the request of the FCO and DESO, I visited the Far East from 29 Apr to 16 May 89. The programme for my visit is at Annex A and my general overview follows below. Detailed reports for each country, which will be of interest mainly at Director level and below, are at Annexes B, C, D and E, which indicate where departments should take note or action as applicable.

HONG KONG 29 APR-1 MAY

2.

Although my overnight stay in Hong Kong did not form part of my official programme, it gave me a useful opportunity to discuss the latest version of the Withdrawal Plan with CBF at a time when clearer views are beginning to emerge on the future role of the Garrison and its phased withdrawal arrangements. In addition, I was able, with CBF present, to discuss these matters with the Governor.

3. CBF is fully aware of the latest position concerning the future role of the Gurkhas, who are now waiting expectantly and hopefully for an early HMG decision. So far as the Hong Kong Withdrawal Plan is concerned, my visit coincided with the final revision of CDS 7/87. In general the revised draft reflects accurately those areas of change or concern in Hong Kong that have come to light since the original plan was formulated in 1987.

4.

The main change of emphasis is a growing awareness from the Governor downwards that the original plan made over-optimistic assumptions about the pace and timing of the withdrawal of certain units (particularly the RN and the penultimate battalion) and the extent to which the RHKP could be expected to undertake full responsibility for an increasing range of UK Sovereign interests up to 30 Jun 97.

5.

The Governor is aware that these and related matters have not been addressed in CDS 13/89, but that further work will be needed in preparation for the major review to be considered by the COS in the latter half of 1991.

F WVISREPS/1

10

SECRETŰK EYES A