TNAG-2675-FCO40-3872-Hong-Kong-garrison-withdrawal-plan-1993 — Page 28

Services.

DRAFT

SECRET UK EYES A

Broadly speaking, it is intended that reductions will be

achieved in line with the withdrawals of infantry battalions and the

ending of accompanied service. The principal conclusions of the Paper

are:

a.

RN and RAF. Assuming that the HKG wish, as agreed by HMG9,

the continued presence of RN patrol craft in-theatre until 1997,

any reductions of RN manpower would affect significantly the

ability of BFHK to maintain this capability. There is, therefore,

limited scope for RN reductions, although some savings will be

made by the withdrawal of the Clearance Diving Team (CDT) in

1994. Further savings may be possible, and work is in hand to

identify these. From 1 October 1996, when the RN LEP Division

becomes non-operational, the patrol craft may have to be manned

by unaccompanied UK personnel; failing which, the number of

operational ships and other vessels would have to be reduced.

Similarly, the strength of RAF Sek Kong

Sek Kong can only be reduced

continuing operational

marginally before 1997, given a

requirement to retain a force of 6 AE and 2 IUR Wessex.

b. Logistic Support. In order to improve efficiency and

flexibility it is intended to form a logistic support regiment in

April 1994; which will bring together QOGTR, Supply Services, RLC

9

PS/No 10 1991.

-

Future RN Presence In Hong Kong, dated 24 July

9

SECRET UK EYES A

DRAFT