TNAG-2677-FCO40-3874-Hong-Kong-garrison-withdrawal-plan-1993 — Page 306

CODE 18-77

Dr Bunten, HKD

CONFIDENTIAL

HKA 063/1

1

1993

Reference

FILE (102

86

HONG KONG GARRISON

1. We have seen a copy of Peter Ricketts' submission of 7 June covering the draft OPD (K) paper on the future of the British Garrison.

2.

We agree that the paper does not directly affect the deployment of the Brunei garrison (telecon Elliott/Bunten), but should like to flag up two concerns. Firstly, in the event of announcements about an early run-down in Hong Kong, we would wish to warn the Sultan in advance that the changes would not affect the Brunei garrison.

3. Secondly, we were interested to note that there is no reference in the paper to the Brunei garrison acting as an acclimatised reserve for the Hong Kong deployment. As the paper stands, might not Ministers assume that a Hong Kong role for the Brunei garrison no longer exists, and that its future may henceforth be considered in isolation? It seems to us that the role of the Brunei garrison deserved a short reference, even if no more than the long-established line.

4. We do not wish to add a layer of bureaucracy to the clearing of future papers on Hong Kong, but I should be grateful if we could be sent information copies on important garrison issues.

15 June 1993

cc Mr Callway, NPDD Ms Kazer, RAD

Martin Rickard

M J K Rickerd

South East Asia Department WH MZ 45 270 2447

CONFIDENTIAL