TNAG-2677-FCO40-3874-Hong-Kong-garrison-withdrawal-plan-1993 — Page 278

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CALL BY MISTER ZHENG JINJIONG: HONG KONG GARRISON

Points to make

We have, from time to time, informed the Chinese Government of our thinking over the withdrawal of the British Garrison in Hong Kong. The British Representatives to the JLG last spoke to the

Chinese Office in May 1992. They informed them that we would

to keep the second of the four battalions in Hong Kong in place until 1994 and keep at least one battalion in place until 1997.

provisual At that time we planned to keep the third battalion in Hong

they she wer Kong until 1996. But that plans were under constant review.

atu

them

The Chinese representatives have made clear that the Chinese

Government attached importance to certain issues: That elements

of all three services, the Royal Air Force, the Royal Navy and

the Army should remain in Hong Kong until 1997; and that at

least a third or a quarter of the initial garrison should

remain in place in 1997:

Today the British JLG office has briefed its opposite number on our latest thinking but I wished to keep the Embassy informed as

well.

We have again reviewed the plans for the withdrawal of the

British Garrison taking into account the need for an adequate

Garrison in Hong Kong, the views expressed by the Chinese

Government, experience of the Royal Hong Kong Police in

patrolling the Hong Kong-Shenzhen border, the British army's

requirements for troops and the need to avoid unnecessary

financial burdens on the Hong Kong Government which meets 65% of

timetable.sub/DEFENCE

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