TNAG-2675-FCO40-3872-Hong-Kong-garrison-withdrawal-plan-1993 — Page 20

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SECRET UK EYES A

THE 1993 REVIEW OF THE HONG KONG GARRISON OUTLINE WITHDRAWAL PLAN

1.

INTRODUCTION

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

the MOD policy

policy paper3 'The Rundown of the Hong Kong

Garrison to 1997'. This paper included the following recommendations:

1

CDS 7/87

2

3

-

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 - The Rundown Of The Hong Kong Garrison To 1997, dated February 1993. This paper was endorsed by the Secretary of State for Defence on 14 April 1993. On 15 April 1993 it was handed by the Secretary of State to the Governor of Hong Kong; with the recommendation that he should accept its conclusions and recommendations, but with the proviso that the Garrison rundown and force levels should continue to be reviewed in order to identify and implement further, early savings where practicable.

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SECRET UK EYES A

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