TNAG-2404-FCO40-3491-Hong-Kong-defence-and-public-order-1992 — Page 18

SECRET LOCSEN

Outline Withdrawal Plan will have to commence immediately on its endorsement, since the full plan through to 1997 cannot be left for initiation until after the 1995 Review, which is likely to be endorsed only 18 months before the final withdrawal. The key decisions to be taken in the 1993 Outline Withdrawal Plan are:

a.

b.

Withdrawal of 2nd Gurhka battalion.

Withdrawal of 3rd Gurkha battalion.

Withdrawal of combat support and combat service support elements.

C.

d. HQ UKLF assuming full command of BGN.

e.

Ending of accompanied service and the start

of roulement of UK battalions.

£.

The need for a RN Task Force.

31.

32.

Timetable

a.

The staffing timetable had been circulated to all HKSC members, and all indicated that they were content with it.

b. Decision. The Chairman directed that the timetable submitted to the HKSC should now be adopted. A copy of the staffing timetable for the 1993 Review is at Enclosure 8. The Chairman further directed that the 1* draft should also be cleared informally at 2* level within MOD in order to speed up the staffing process and identify major problem areas early.

Related Studies.

a.

The Chairman invited CBF to provide an update on the various related studies in progress. This was provided by ACOC J3. A summary of studies is at Enclosure 9. The HQBF HK studies currently in progress include:

(1)

Supporting Arms and Services.

(2)

Helicopter Force Levels.

(a)

Wessex.

(b)

Scout.

(3)

Bde of Gurkhas Infrastructure.

(4)

SFEW 1 (FEW2\STEERING\HR)

Future C2 for British Gurkhas Nepal.

9 of 11

SECRET LOCSEN

All

All