TNAG-2239-FCO40-3218-Future-of-Hong-Kong-Royal-Navy-presence-1991 — Page 227

SECRET UK EYES A LOCSEN

important to note that the infantry battalions that remain can only operate effectively if they have the proper level of combat support

and combat service support; notably engineers, communications, transport, medical, supply and maintenance assets.

The

81. The Royal Hong Kong Regiment (Volunteers) (RHKR(V)). RHKR (V)'s priority operational role is the protection of KPS under the operational control of HQ BFHK. Whilst its future is a matter for the HKG, the uncertainty of the APF expansion plan indicates that it would be wise to retain the Regiment until the APF is capable of guarding

all of the Territory's KPS. The Regiment is a popular territorial unit and traditionally has always been very well recruited. If the

RHKR (V) is disbanded before the APF can guard all KPS satisfactorily,

the BFHK Concept of Operations will have to be altered to provide for a greater commitment of regular troops to KP guard tasks, thus greatly

reducing the flexibility inherent

in retaining the Army as an

uncommitted reserve. As long as the RHKR (V) is in existance it will

be an invaluable component of BFHK. Its future should be reconsidered

during the 1993 Review in the light of the progress of the AFP expansion. So long as retention, recruitment, fibre and morale remain intact, the RHKR (V) could be retained until the later years, and then

disbanded with the dignity its sterling service in Hong Kong will have

warranted.

Command and Control.

82.

Currently, command and control of all land forces is exercised

through HQ 48 Gurkha Infantry Brigade, which commands the manoeuvre

formation; and HQ Support Troops which commands some of the combat

support and all of the service support units. Following the withdrawal of the first battalion there will be little scope for the

rationalisation of command and control of the land forces because HQ

48 Brigade will still command 4 major units (three battalions and the

Queen's Gurkha Engineers), and at that point there will have been

Page 31 of 47 pages

LOCSEN

UK EYES A SECRET