TNAG-2677-FCO40-3874-Hong-Kong-garrison-withdrawal-plan-1993 — Page 59

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APPENDIX 4 TO

ANNEX E TO JTP 30

(NINTH REVISE)

CONCEPT OF OPERATIONS FOR THE HONG KONG GARRISON AND POSSIBLE TASKS FOR REINFORCEMENTS

THREAT

1.

The potential threat facing Hong Kong is both internal and external. Internally the threat is from spontaneous civil unrest brought about by a combination of political and economic factors. Whilst the threat of organised civil disorder is currently low, increased nervousness must be expected as 1997 approaches. The external threat is only likely to manifest itself if measures to control internal civil disorder are not swiftly and effectively executed. In this context, the concern is that the PRC would intervene militarily to restore order. The "worst case" scenario is one which has the security forces facing a simultaneous occurrence of internal disorder combined with an external threat to territorial integrity.

MISSION

2.

CDS's Directive to CBF requires CBF to assist the Hong Kong Government (HKG) to maintain stability and security and to retain confidence in British sovereignty in the Territory until 30 June 1997.

3. As a result of his mission analysis, CBF has defined the military mission as:

To assist the HKG in the maintenance of Territorial Integrity (TI) in order to demonstrate HMG's sovereignty over Hong Kong.

CONCEPT OF OPERATIONS

4.

At sea the RN will assist the Marine Police in maintaining the sovereignty of the Territorial Waters of Hong Kong and deter incursions by foreign vessels. In the event of internal unrest, the land element of the Garrison will secure the defence estate, military key points and the airhead in order to ensure the successful reinforcement of the Territory. The military are not expected to provide support to the RHKP on Internal Security (IS) duties but Army elements must be trained and equipped to protect themselves in an IS environment. If it becomes necessary to redeploy the RHKP Frontier Patrol Detachment (FPD), the Army will be required,

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