SECRET UK EYES A
а
ESBA. The deployment of this second battalion has enabled BFC to join the Falkland Island roulement roster, providing Reinforced Infantry Company (RIC) from each of the battalions in turn.
HQ BFC/Sovereign Base Area Administration (SBAA) continue to work closely over CN matters using both Republic and British air and sea resources. The presence of three RN patrol craft, stationed in Cyprus for security reasons during GRANBY, has greatly assisted this process. A case for the retention of these vessels is currently being staffed in MOD.
THE FALKLANDS, SOUTH GEORGIA AND ASCENSION ISLAND
20.
were
1990/91 has seen steady but sure progress on improving Anglo-Argentine relations. As a result of agreement reached in Madrid in February 1990, diplomatic relations reestablished in late 1990 and a set of military confidence building measures were introduced for the South Atlantic; these arrangements were updated during talks in London in June 1991. The agreements, together with discussions on commercial issues of mutual interest, have served to erode Argentina's image as a former enemy, and normalise relations. In the Defence field the next step, having exchanged Defence Attaches, will be to establish regular contacts at MOD staff level through the medium of Defence Staff Talks.
21. The defence arrangements for the Falkland Islands and the forces at the disposal of the Commander British Forces Falkland Islands (CBFFI) remain as established by the Force Level Review 1985 and confirmed in 1987. However, in view of improving UK/Argentinian relations, the low threat assesment and the increasing pressure on UK's defence resources, the commitment has been reconsidered as follows:
(1) [outcome of paper awaited]
HONG KONG
22. The second major revision of the Hong Kong Garrison Outline Withdrawal Plan (CDS 7/87) was taken by the COS in December 1991. The philosophy behind the run-down plan is that discrete elements of the garrison should withdraw as the Hong Kong civil authorities (mainly the RHKP) acquire the necessary capabilities to take over the tasks currently carried out by the military. The main changes in the second revision reflect:
23.
level
(1) The event-led rather than time dependent nature of the plan, resulting from the political uncertainties in Hong Kong highlighted by events in China in June 1989.
(2) The need to retain the second (Gurkha) battalion until 1995.
(3) The need to retain the third (Gurkha) battalion
at least until late 1996/early 97.
The RN patrol craft have been the subject of much high debate over the past year. It has been accepted that
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SECRET UK EYES A
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