SECRET
7
APR 1990
Ра
FROM: R M Marsden
Hong Kong Department
DATE: 27 April 1990
CC:
Mr Gillmore
Mr McLaren PS/Mr Mayde
Minnle
h √27/10
HKC
RECEIVED IN E
062/1
17 MAY 1990
DESK OF
NDEX
HONG KONG: ROYAL NAVAL PRESENCE AFLOAT: DEFENCE COSTS
1.
Mr Maude has asked for a summary of the present defence cost
arrangements and the Garrison Withdrawal Plan before considering
whether to speak to Mr Hamilton as the Governor has suggested in his
A telno 1310.
B
C
The Garrison Withdrawal Plan
2. The Garrison Withdrawal Plan for the Army, Navy and Helicopter Force is summarised in the diagram at Annex A.
3. The 1987 Garrison Withdrawal Plan concluded that there would be
a continuing requirement for the Royal Navy's three Peacock Class
Patrol Craft at least until 1991 when the Marine Police (MARPOL)
would be ready to assume the Royal Navy's deep water anti-illegal immigrant role. The Withdrawal Plan also noted (para 57) that a
decision on the future of these three patrol craft should be
deferred until 1990, by which time a clearer assessment of the need
for the Royal Naval presence afloat and of the risks of withdrawal
might be possible. When the Withdrawal Plan was reviewed in early
1989, the MOD noted the possibility that there might be a political
requirement to provide some form of Royal Navy presence afloat (as
opposed to a purely land-based capability) until 1997 but made clear
that they saw no military requirement for a continued presence.
Consequently no financial or manpower provision was made for running
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