TNAG-1941-FCO40-2767-Future-of-Hong-Kong-defence-and-public-order-1989 — Page 4

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3.

In discussions with the Chinese in the latter part of

1987, it became apparent that they wished to see a significant

naval presence maintained into the final phase (1994-97) of

the withdrawal programme. Partly, no doubt, they wished to

see a continuing role for the RN which could be inherited by

the PLA Navy; they did not, however, indicate any direct link

between the size of the RN presence up to 1997, and the extent

of PLA Navy deployment thereafter. Our present assessment is

that

Chinese will determine the PLA navy deployment in

Hong Kong post-1997 irrespective of the RN deployment pre-1997.

4.

In order to reach

agreement with the Chinese at

JLGVIII on an overall package for withdrawal of the garrison,

and expansion of the Police and other local services to

over some of the operational responsibilities of the present

garrison, the British side of the JLG agreed to reconsider the

timing of the RN withdrawal, and to study how to maintain an

RN presence into the

the final withdrawal phase. We told the

Chinese that the type and number

vessels appropriate to

Although no

this role would require further consideration.

specific commitment was given to the Chinese, there was an

understanding between the two sides that the UK would maintain

a fully operational RN presence in Hong Kong until 1997.

5.

The First Review of the Garrison Outline Withdrawal

Plan completed early in 1989 recognised the possibility of a

requirement to retain some form of RN presence in HK waters

until 1997 and hence the study mentioned in paragraph 1 above

was commissioned.

LOGDEN

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