SECRET
Defence
Contribution.
East.
Since it would not be possible to reinforce the
Hong Kong Garrison from Singapore or Malaysia in time
of need, the previous Government decided that, after
1971, the Garrison should consist of :
3.
Royal Navy
Army
Royal Air Force
Two Frigates
Five Mine counter measures
One small tanker
7 major units
Ten whirlwind helicopters
(already in Hong Kong)
RAF staging elements
RAF Signals elements
From local funds Hong Kong maintains a Police Force
with an establishment of about 12,000 all ranks (overwhelmingly
Chinese in composition) and a Volunteer Defence Force about
900 strong of whom approximately one third are Europeans.
The reliability of these forces could not be depended upon
if doubt arose about British intentions and ability to retain
control of Hong Kong or if disorders occurred after a pro-
longed period of subversion.
4.
The Colony has paid an annual cash contribution to
Imperial Defence since 1863. In 1958 this was fixed at
£1m. per annum. Under the current agreement (which was
negotiated in 1966) the Colony pays £5m. per annum. The
defence contribution has always been a sensitive issue in
our relations with Hong Kong since the Colony has been the
only dependent territory to have made regular and substantial
payments; and the 1966 negotiations were carried through by
SECRET
/Mr..