TNAG-2677-FCO40-3874-Hong-Kong-garrison-withdrawal-plan-1993 — Page 280

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Defensive

Will the Chinese side be given a more detailed briefing?

- The Commander British Forces in Hong Kong will be happy to

give the Chinese side a more detailed briefing if they wish it.

Will the British not make an announcement until the Chinese have

had time to respond?

-

Logistical arrangements will need to made soon. happens it is inevitable that news will leak out.

therefore to delay the announcement.

Once this

Unable

Why do these changes have to made now? Could they not be

delayed?

Senseless to keep forces somewhere where they are not needed

any longer than is necessary. As the Embassy will be aware

there are tremendous demands throughout the world for troops for

purposes such as peacekeeping.

The Chinese government should be consulted not just informed.

The manning of the British Garrison before 1997 is a matter

for HMG alone.

What will happen to land which is no longer needed by the

Garrison?

No decision has yet been made of the land needs of the

stream-lined garrison. No land which has been agreed will be

passed to the Chinese Garrison will be alienated. This decision

has no implications for the discussions on the military estate

in Hong Kong

timetable.sub/DEFENCE

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