TNAG-2674-FCO40-3871-Hong-Kong-garrison-withdrawal-plan-1993 — Page 76

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THE 1993 REVIEW OF THE HONG KONG GARRISON OUTLINE WITHDRAWAL PLAN

INTRODUCTION

1.

Initial study into the future of the Hong Kong Garrison began in 1985. Two years later CDS 7/871 was published. The Chiefs of Staff directed that the Outline Withdrawal Plan be reviewed every two years

up to the point of departure from Hong Kong in 1997. The last Review was carried out in 19912, and a further review is required this year.

It is generally acknowledged that the 1993 Review is the most critical within the review process, as it is upon the policy decisions provided by this Review that the Headquarters British Forces Hong Kong's (HQ

BFHK) own detailed executive plan for the withdrawal of the Garrison

will be based.

[[2. As with the previous two biennial Reviews, the 1993 Review is a

stand-alone document, but one which differs from its predecessors in

that it is based on policy guidelines on key issues approved by ministers in the MOD policy paper3 The Rundown of the Hong Kong

Garrison to 1997'. Ministerial approval was given to the following

recommendations:

a.

The reduction of the Hong Kong Garrison to two

two infantry

battalions (the minimum considered operationally viable) in late

1994.

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2

CDS 7/87 The Hong Kong Garrison Outline Withdrawal Plan dated 23 February 1987.

CDS 32/91 1991 Review Of The Hong Kong Garrison Outline Withdrawal Plan, dated 31 December 1991.

COSSEC 1042/756

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3

The Rundown Of The Hong Kong Garrison To 1997, dated February 1993.

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