TNAG-2674-FCO40-3871-Hong-Kong-garrison-withdrawal-plan-1993 — Page 158

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OSE MINUTE

D/DMO/63/7 MO1

29.

Jan 93

Sec(0)(C)

Copy to:

DNO

D Air Off

D Def Pol

D Prog

D JW/EX

Deputy Press Secretary

Head of Sec (NS)

Head of GS Sec

Head of Sec (AS)

Head of RP (Prog)

Head of GF

FCO (HKD) Mr Ricketts

HQBF Hong Kong

COS

CONFIDENTIAL

HKA 063/

OFS

U? FEB 1993

~ISTRY

REGISTRY Action Taku

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NB!

THE HONG KONG GARRISON WITHDRAWAL PLAN

Reference:

A.

B.

1.

D/Sec (O) (C) 6/7 dated 25 January 1993. HQ BFHK 10011 J3 Ops dated 4 Jan 93.

Thank you for Reference A and the opportunity to comment on the draft paper enclosed with it. We have no difficulty with the thrust of the paper as presented.

2.

Our major concern would be any attempt to make savings by an early withdrawal of elements of the force. We note in this context that the current planning at Reference B, based on the 1991 Review, indicates a requirement for only one battalion in the final months of the Garrison. Whilst there will undoubtedly be pain in providing strong roulement elements up until the last minute, the potential operational penalties of early withdrawal outweigh its benefits. continue to favour "stronger for longer". If anything you may wish to strengthen your section on the disadvantages of early rundown to reinforce this line.

We

1

CONFIDENTIAL

htlai

DMO

たと

"SHOD).