SECRET UK EYES A LOCSEN
VISIT TO HONG KONG 30 APR/1 MAY 89
INTRODUCTION
1.
ANNEX B TO VCDS 1229/1 DATED 18 MAY 89
Our visit to Hong Kong was principally only a stopover en route to Korea but we were looked after with great hospitality and CBF kindly arranged a briefing on the Garrison and a call on HE the Governor on the morning before we left for Seoul.
GARRISON BRIEFING
2.
VCDS was impressed by 2 statistics in particular. First, the fact that 37% of the Garrison's complement is composed of Chinese LEPS and LECS. VCDS noted CBF's concern that there should be no threat to the smooth running of the Garrison in the final years occasioned by the loss of this workforce through dissatisfaction or an understandable need to seek secure employment elsewhere well before the final handover date. The solution will need to be addressed from 2 sides: HMG will need to ensure that redundancy terms encourage retention; and the HKG will need to offer alternative avenues following the withdrawal of the Garrison. If these measures are not taken the alternatives (such as run-on of Garrison assets) will prove both politically inconvenient and more expensive. The LEP/LEC issue is one that will need serious consideration and VCDS has stated that he would expect the major review of the Garrison Withdrawal Plan in 1991 to look at it closely.
3. VCDS also took due note of the fact that Hong Kong achieved a HK$14 Billion surplus last year and he discussed the investment of some of this surplus in the preservation of stability and security during his subsequent meeting with the Governor.
4. The principal message which VCDS derived from the briefing, however, related to the Future RN Presence Afloat in Hong Kong Beyond 1991 - the current, notional earliest date for withdrawal of the 3 remaining Hong Kong PEACOCK Class Patrol Craft. The HQBFHK Staff made it clear that they judged that they could ensure territorial integrity on the land but that Sovereignty at sea would be far more difficult to demonstrate and could be eroded by frequent incursions. Incursions were increasing and in the previous month there had been shooting incidents at sea - which were the subject of official political protest. VCDS was briefed that, in the last few days, it
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SECRET UK EYES A LOCSEN
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