TNAG-1940-FCO40-2766-Future-of-Hong-Kong-defence-and-public-order-1989 — Page 53

CONFIDENTIAL

MEDICAL

87.

Immunisation and Medical Hazards.

Information on medical facilities and medical risks to deployed forces and evacuees is held by the Directorate of Army Preventive Medicine, RAMC College, Millbank whose advice should be sought as soon as implementation of a JTP is considered. All deployed personnel are to meet inoculation and vaccination requirements laid down in current Service instructions.

b.

When requesting evacuation assistance, HM Representative should advise on any particular medical hazards. This applies especially to any changes in the water supplies or recent outbreaks of disease.

88. Spare.

ARMS, AMMUNITION AND RULES OF ENGAGEMENT

89. Armed Guards.

90.

a. Armed Servicemen may be deployed specifically in a policing role to protect evacuees and Service property, including aircraft. A contingent of infantry or RAF Regiment of about platoon size armed with personal weapons may be employed.

b. The armed guards will be under the command of the Operational Commander (see paragraphs 104-107).

C. Before an SAE operation is mounted MOD will issue instructions confirming, or amending, the policy concerning the carriage of arms and ammunition, and the Rules of Engagement.

d. In order to provide a secure speech link between the evacuation force and the UK, a satellite communication unit (SATCOM (TSC 502)) will be deployed whenever armed guards are included.

Arms and Ammunition.

a.

Unless MOD, after consultation with the FCO, has given specific instructions to the contrary, arms and ammunitions will not be carried on the man but will normally be taken in unmarked boxes by detachments. Weapons will only be unboxed and issued on orders of the Operational Commander. This authority may be delegated to the OCR. In either case the. authorising commander should seek advice on such action from HM Representative.

b.

Army communication detachments deployed in civilian clothes are not to take weapons unless instructions to the contrary have been issued by MOD. In this case uniform must also be taken in order to comply with the Geneva Convention which directs that to bear arms soldiers must be in uniform.

22 CONFIDENTIAL