TNAG-2675-FCO40-3872-Hong-Kong-garrison-withdrawal-plan-1993 — Page 43

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but it should be assumed that where equipment is to be back-loaded

routinely to UK this would normally be accomplished by commercial

shipping.

39. Use of a NTF to

to effect the final withdrawal and support the

Garrison operationally during the final period of the drawdown

attracts the following operational and presentational advantages:

a.

Command and Control.

Inclusion of a suitable C31 platform

within a NTF would allow the maximum rundown of on-shore

facilities, while keeping available the full range of command and

control facilities afloat. This would provide CBF and the

Governor with the flexibility of transferring their governmental

and command functions afloat when appropriate. The detailed

arrangements for the transfer of command and control by the

Governor Hong Kong and by CBF from shore to

to ship, and the

exertion of command and control thereafter until 30 June 1997,

should be studied during 1994 by the Joint Force Operations Staff

(JFOS) with HQBF Hong Kong; with their findings being reflected

in the 1995 Review and in the Hong Kong Garrison Withdrawal Plan

as appropriate.

b.

Mobility.

The NTF would have the ability to stand off-

shore, within Hong Kong waters or over the horizon: providing a

considerable range of deployment and profile options that could

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