TNAG-2239-FCO40-3218-Future-of-Hong-Kong-Royal-Navy-presence-1991 — Page 253

FCO40 Hong Kong Department Records 聯邦事務部香港部檔案 All

SECRET UK EYES A LOCSEN

4. The manpower levels of Royal Navy LECS are largely dependent on the resolution of the Patrol Craft issue. At present it is assumed

that there will not be any change to current manpower levels. Similarly, no reductions in RAF LEC manpower numbers are anticipated

at this stage. This will be reviewed in

reviewed in the course of the 1993

biennial update of the Withdrawal Plan.

5.

The main area of concern is the manpower and budgetary provision for Army LECS. Army LEC manpower was reduced by 23% between 1988 and 1991 in order to meet LTC profiles and budgetary reductions, (however,

with the benefit of hindsight thses cuts were too severe). The ASAS Paper has now identified manpower requirements for future financial years. The requirement has been scrutinised carefully to ensure that it is firmly grounded in realism and that it represents the minimum required to sustain operational efficiency and an ordered rundown. A number of different scenarios have been considered, including the situation which will pertain following the withdrawal of the first and

second battalions and the cessation of accompanied service. It is

essential that any planned reductions in LEC levels resulting from the

withdrawal of a battalion can be reinstated if necessary, should it

subsaquently be decided that various aspects of the Withdrawal Plan have to be changed. This argument applies equally to the date when accompanied service ends.

B

-

2

2

LOCSEN

UK EYES A SECRET

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