D/Sec(0) (C) 6/7
9 March 1993
PS/Secretary of State
copy to: MA/Minister (AF)
PS/US of S
DPSO/CDS
PS/PUS
Sec CNS
MA/CGS
PS/CAS
MA/VCDS
PS/2nd PUS
PS/DUS (P)
MA/DCDS (C)
ACDS (0)
AUS (C)
SECRET
HKA 063/1
DESK
16 MAR 1993
Y
pa.
Thinker
Bruker. I'm schmitting
Separatel
A
tel
from Sir J. Coles
AUS (GF)
DO (FEW)
Head of Sec (0) (C)
Press Secretary
GF (Pol) 1
FCO (Hong Kong Dept
THE FUTURE OF THE HONG KONG GARRISON
1. When the Secretary of State visited Hong Kong in January, it was agreed that it would be useful to set down a broad policy framework covering the role of the garrison till 1997 and the key milestones en route to its total withdrawal in June 1997 once sovereignty of the Territory reverts to China. The aim would be to reach agreement with the Governor of Hong Kong on this broad framework so that the current difficult issue of garrison costs can be dealt with against a mutually acceptable background. It will also provide a basis for detailed work on this year's review of the full withdrawal plan originally taken by the Chiefs of Staff in 1987. This general approach fits in with the outcome of PUS' recent visit to Hong Kong, reported in his note to the Secretary of State of 7 March (not to all nor needed).
2. Accordingly, I attach at Annex A a policy paper on the future of the Hong Kong garrison, as approved by the Chiefs of Staff. It is proposed that this be forwarded by the Secretary of State to the Governor with the shaded portions of the text removed. A copy of the paper with those changes made is at Annex B. A draft covering letter from the Secretary of State to Mr Patten is at Annex C.
Marth Itwar
M L HOWARD Sec (0) (C) MB5314 86272MB
SECRET
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