TNAG-2912-FCO40-4187-International-support-from-Asia-regarding-the-future-of-Hong-1993 — Page 80

brun.backgarr.JM

MR GOODLAD'S VISIT TO BRUNEI: 29-31 JULY

HONG KONG: GARRISON

BACKGROUND

Brunei (and Nepal) were both informed in advance of the

announcement on 19 July about the withdrawal of the Hong Kong garrison.

The text of the official announcement was 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 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 1997.

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 comprise a headquarters, an infantry battalion group, logistic

support, naval patrol craft and Royal Air Force

helicopters."

Royal Air

This decision, which was announced by way of a written

Parliamentary Question, is an elaboration of existing plans for the rundown of the garrison. Our plans for the

long-term future of the Brigade of Gurkhas are unchanged.