TNAG-2675-FCO40-3872-Hong-Kong-garrison-withdrawal-plan-1993 — Page 116

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SECRET UK EYES A

of 1996, once the task of protecting dependants and a large defence

estate is reduced significantly, force levels could reduce to one

battalion.

11. Should it be necessary for British forces

forces to provide direct

support to RHKP IS operations, or for troops to conduct independent IS

operations in extremis, 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.

regular revision and exercising of reinforcement plans (JTP 30 and JTP

68) remains therefore an essential part of the Garrison withdrawal

process.

The

KEY ISSUES FOR REVIEW

BATTALION WITHDRAWAL DATES

12. The 1991 Review (CDS 32/91) envisaged retention of the option of

delaying the withdrawal of the second Gurkha battalion until 1995,

that is FY 95/96. It also concluded that it might be necessary to

retain the third Gurkha battalion until late 1996 or early 1997, and

that the UK

UK battalion remain until June 1997. Decisions on the

withdrawal dates of the second and third Gurkha battalions were to be

reassessed in the 1993 Review. Following the guidance given in the MOD

policy paper 'The Rundown of the Hong Kong Garrison to 1997', and

6

SECRET UK EYES A

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