a.
DRAFT
SECRET UK EYES A
The reduction of the Hong Kong Garrison to two infantry
battalions (the minimum considered operationally viable) in late
1994.
b. The ending of accompanied service for all less the last
Gurkha battalion in August 1996; and for that battalion in
November 1996. From August 1996 the required infantry force level
is to be found by roulement.
C. The use of the RN deployment to the Far East in 1997 to
support the
the withdrawal from Hong Kong, subject to a final
Ministerial decision to be made nearer the time.
d. The broad financial implications of withdrawal plans were to
be made clear to the Hong Kong Government (HKG).
e.
The principal events in the programme for the rundown of the Garrison should be released generally to the public in Hong Kong
and the UK.
AIM
3. The aim of this paper is to review CDS 7/874 and make
recommendations for defence policy decisions.
POLITICAL PERSPECTIVE
4. The period to 30 June 1997 is set against the background of an
increasing awareness of the Hong Kong population of the need to relate
positively and pragmatically to the PRC, of the increasing ability of
the Royal Hong Kong Police (RHKP) and Government Flying Service (GFS)
4
As amended by CDS 32/91 and COSSEC 1042/756.
2
SECRET UK EYES A
DRAFT
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