TNAG-2675-FCO40-3872-Hong-Kong-garrison-withdrawal-plan-1993 — Page 23

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SECRET UK EYES A

course if they judged that they would otherwise inherit a Territory

dominated by independent and assertive political groups (for example,

the United Democrats). However, they are aware that such action would

affect their own economic interests adversely and would be applied as

a last resort only. Accordingly, the JIC has concluded that the threat

of military intervention before the handover, while greater than it was before the reform proposals, is still low. In the worst case, threats to the internal security and territorial integrity of Hong

Kong could occur simultaneously.

MILITARY PLANNING FACTORS

ROYAL HONG KONG POLICE (RHKP)

6. The RHKP continues to be well-disciplined, well-trained and

capable. It is responsible for all Internal Security (IS) operations

in the Territory. As planned, it assumed responsibility for anti-

illegal immigration (II) duties on the Sino-Hong Kong border in April

1992, and for the reserve company commitment in October 1992. The

expansion of the Auxiliary Police Force is under way and this allowed

the RHKP to assume responsibility in time of crisis for the guarding

of all civilian Key Points (KP), less the airport, from December 1992.

The military remain responsible for securing the airport until the

Royal Hong Kong Regiment (The Volunteers) (RHKR (V)) disbands in

September 1995, when the RHKP will take over this task.

JIC(92)(N)50 Hong Kong: Prospects For Stability Up To 1997, dated 18 December 1992.

4

SECRET UK EYES A

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