TNAG-2675-FCO40-3872-Hong-Kong-garrison-withdrawal-plan-1993 — Page 37

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SECRET UK EYES A

29. Notwithstanding the more general study of the relationship

between CDS, the principal single-Service Commanders-in-Chief, and the

joint overseas commands carried out in 1992, and the outcome13 of that

work, there is an over-riding need for CBF to have Full Command of all

elements of BFHK early in the drawdown period. Full Command is

essential in order to facilitate CBF's planning and implementation of

an inherently complex drawdown and withdrawal in the most efficient

and cost-effective way, and in accordance with HMG and the HKG

political imperatives. Ideally, Full Command should be effective 1

April 1994, in order to create a sound command basis for the detailed

preparation of the Hong Kong Garrison Withdrawal Plan and for the

parallel detailed work that will complement that plan. Achievement of

this date would allow the effectiveness of the work carried out in the

ACDS (L) Tri-Service Logistic Review1 of Hong Kong to be maximised and

the change to be reflected in the revise of CDS Directive20 to CBF

Hong Kong; which is due to be carried out from September 1993, with

the revised and endorsed directive being promulgated by 1 April 1994.

17

18

DCDS (C)/02/02/07 The Relationship Between CDS And The Joint Overseas Commands, dated 28 February 1992.

VCDS 1085/1 The Relationship Between CDS And The Joint Overseas Commands, dated 29 June 1992.

19 See paragraph 13 above.

20

20

CDS 44/88 Directive To The Commander British Forces Hong Kong, dated 2 December 1988.

18

SECRET UK EYES A

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