TNAG-2677-FCO40-3874-Hong-Kong-garrison-withdrawal-plan-1993 — Page 213

CONFIDENTIAL

DRAFT TELEGRAM TO KATHMANDU BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN

ANNEX C

RUN DOWN OF THE HONG KONG GARRISON AND THE FUTURE OF THE

BRIGADE OF GURKHAS

1.

MOD will be announcing on 19 July 1993 Ministerially

agreed plans for the withdrawal of the Hong Kong garrison by

30 June 1997. The announcement will be by means of a written

answer, the draft text of which reads as follows:

"Broad plans have now been finalised for the withdrawal

of the 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."

2. Given their interest in the future of the Brigade of

Gurkhas, you should draw this to the attention of the

CONFIDENTIAL