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ANNEX A
Draft Question
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what plans he has for the future of the Hong Kong garrison; and if he will make
a statement.
Draft Answer
BROAD PLANS HAVE NOW BEEN FINALISED FOR THE WITHDRAWAL OF
Hong Kong garrison by 30 June 1997. Units of all three services the Army, the Royal Navy and the Royal Air Force
will remain in Hong Kong until then. However, the garrison
will continue to reduce in stages over the period, as local forces assume responsibility for its former operational tasks. In the latter part of 1994, the 1st Battalion the Black Watch
will return to the UK and the two Gurkha battalions will merge
to form the 1st Battalion the Royal Gurkha Rifles. One
battalion will remain in Hong Kong until 30 June 1997. The strength of logistic and other supporting units will be
reduced in line with that of front-line units. The three Royal
Navy patrol craft presently in Hong Kong will remain until June 1997. Royal Air Force helicopters will also remain in Hong Kong until 1997, although their numbers may be reduced. The plans mean that for the final two years of British sovereignty, the garrison will be about 3,000 strong. It will compromise a headquarters, an infantry battalion group, logistic support, naval patrol craft and Royal Air Force helicopters.
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