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SECRET UK EYES A
11. Should it be necessary for British forces to provide direct
support to RHKP IS operations, or for troops to conduct independent IS
operations in extremis, reinforcement of
reinforcement of BFHK will be necessary.
Reinforcement will also be necessary if it is deemed politically
desirable to deploy a more substantial manoeuvre formation to the
Sino-Hong Kong border in order to deter Chinese intervention. The
regular revision and exercising of reinforcement plans (JTP 30 and JTP
68) remains therefore an essential part of the Garrison withdrawal
process.
POLICY FOR THE TRANSFER OF ASSETS TO THE PLA
12. It will be necessary soon to determine with the Hong Kong
Government the extent of involvement of British Forces Hong Kong in
the transfer of the defence estate and directly associated assets
(such as accommodation stores and range facilities) to the PLA. In
principle, this should be a HKG responsibility, but the Garrison
should be prepared to
to act as agent in order to contribute where
appropriate to the principle of "smooth transition" enshrined in the
Joint Declaration. Unavoidably, this will be linked to the defence
lands issue, and underlines
underlines the need for the early resolution of
current difficulties with the negotiations on this subject. The
principle that members of the Garrison will require to deal directly
with the PLA well in advance of the final handover should be clearly
established. The decision on when clearance is given for this to
happen will be а matter for political judgement. Early,
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SECRET UK EYES A
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