TNAG-2675-FCO40-3872-Hong-Kong-garrison-withdrawal-plan-1993 — Page 129

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SECRET UK EYES A

military withdrawal arrangements will also be a highly visible and

primary focus for media attention. The military Public Relations (PR)

and Public Information (P Info) response will be driven by events and

will need to be shaped to take account of the overall background in

which the final withdrawal of the Garrison takes place. Final details

of the presentation of particular events can therefore only be

addressed as key dates approach, but a general policy line of positive

and open dealing with the media should be adopted in order to preclude

ill-informed speculation. This should include the publication of key

milestones in the withdrawal of the Garrison once approved by

Ministers and COS.

34. PR/P Info activity must demonstrate not only an orderly military

withdrawal but also provide tangible evidence that HMG's defence

responsibilities and commitments to HK are being met until 1997. Also,

PR/P Info should contribute significantly to securing (in HK, the UK

and international circles) support for and acceptance of military

decisions and the rationale behind them.

35. The PR/P Info Plan for the withdrawal of the Garrison should

continue to be reviewed and developed on a rolling basis. It should be

briefed to the Hong Kong Steering Committee at 6 monthly intervals. It

should take account of the handling of PR/P Info to 1997 and of the

PR/P Info

Info organisation required to achieve this. The size and

seniority of PR/P Info staff should be kept under review. To ensure

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SECRET UK EYES A

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