TNAG-2675-FCO40-3872-Hong-Kong-garrison-withdrawal-plan-1993 — Page 138

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SECRET UK EYES A

The KSC should be updated on the development of the Hong Kong

Garrison Withdrawal Plan from February 1994.

RESIDUAL ISSUES AND ACTIVITIES POST-30 JUNE 1997

48. Although for planning purposes a 'clean-break' on 30 June 1997

should be assumed, there will almost inevitably be some residual

administrative and representational activity beyond the transfer of

sovereignty to the PRC. The detail and extent of this activity and of

those residual issues that may continue beyond 30 June 1997 cannot yet

be determined, and should be addressed in the 1995 Review. However,

matters that should be included in the 1995 Review will be

confirmation of the withdrawal date of the last Gurkha battalion,

details of the final 12 months of British Sovereignty (and of the

final 3 months in particular), and the requirement for the FCO to

consider the need for a services assisted evacuation (SAE) JTP for

Hong Kong post-June 1997.

CONCLUSIONS

49. The conclusions of the 1993 Review of the Hong Kong Garrison

Outline Withdrawal Plan are:

a. The new concept of operations for BFHK requires a Garrison

minimum strength of two battalions (paragraphs 9 to 11).

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SECRET UK EYES A

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