TNAG-2675-FCO40-3872-Hong-Kong-garrison-withdrawal-plan-1993 — Page 42

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Force (NTF). As directed by COS,

As directed by COS, a Naval Working Group drew up a

paper16 for the Hong Kong Steering Committee (HKSC) on the possible

composition of a NTF

a NTF to support the final withdrawal in 1997. The

Naval Working Group paper concluded that a NTF would provide

significant additional capabilities and operational flexibility to CBF

during the withdrawal. Due to its significance to the management and

conduct of the final months of the British presence in Hong Kong, the

options for the involvement of the NTF in the withdrawal will be a key

issue for CBF's withdrawal plan. There will be a requirement to prove

the feasibility of the withdrawal plan as far as practicable. However,

the sensitivity and practical difficulties of exercising in Hong Kong

before 1997 a NTF-supported withdrawal will require consideration of

suitable means of achieving this: such as by MAPEX

by MAPEX (CHARTEX) and

wargaming.

38. A RN Group deployment to the Far East, which will include a CVS,

is planned and funded to coincide with the withdrawal of the Garrison

from Hong Kong. The precise timing of the arrival of a NTF in Hong

Kong, and its composition will be the subject of further study by the

Naval Working Group, in conjunction with HQBF Hong Kong. The HKSC will

be advised of their detailed recommendations by February 1994. There

will still be a significant requirement to withdraw personnel by air,

16

D/DNW/97/7/20/1

1991 Review Of The Options For The Composition of The Naval Task Force То Assist In THE Withdrawal From Hong Kong: A Paper By The Naval Staff, dated 13 February 1992.

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