TNAG-2675-FCO40-3872-Hong-Kong-garrison-withdrawal-plan-1993 — Page 46

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SECRET UK EYES A

POLICY FOR THE TRANSFER OF ASSETS TO THE PEOPLE'S LIBERATION ARMY

41.

It will be necessary soon to determine with

with the Hong Kong

Government the extent of involvement of British Forces Hong Kong in

the transfer of the defence estate and any directly associated assets

(such as accommodation stores and range facilities) to the People's

Liberation Army (PLA). Formally, this will be the responsibility of

HMG. In practice, the HKG will need to act as agent, but the Garrison

should be prepared to provide a high level of assistance in order to

contribute where appropriate to the principle of "smooth transition"

enshrined in the Joint Declaration. Unavoidably, this will be linked

to the defence lands issue, and underlines the need for the early

resolution of current difficulties with the negotiations on this

subject. The principle that members of the Garrison will require to

deal directly with the PLA well in advance of

in advance of the final handover

should be clearly established. The decision on when clearance is given

for this to happen will be a matter for political judgement. Early,

clear direction on the size of the defence estate and on what is to be

left behind will facilitate the planning process and greatly ease the

burden of disposing of material. In principle, as much as possible

should be left in situ rather than back-loaded to the UK; thereby

reducing the workload in the final months. The HKG have acknowledged

the need for a focal point in Hong Kong to coordinate dealing with the

various issues involved with the defence estate and equipment disposal

that will arise during the detailed withdrawal planning, and to ensure

timely HKG decisions and support to BFHK in the rundown period.

27

SECRET UK EYES A

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