HK AP
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EVENING NEWS
Cutting dated
30 SEP 1971
HONG KONG OUTORY
OVER DEFENCE COSTS
A PUBLIC OUTCRY is brew- ing in Hong Kong over the cost of keeping British forces in the colony. Reports quoting London sources say that under a new five-year Defence costs agreement Hong Kong will have to contribute between £8-£12 million annually-about twice the contribution under
1966 agreement which expired six months ago.
An
official announcement on the new agreement is ex- pected shortly. Meanwhile many community leaders are firmly opposed to paying any more towards maintaining the 10,000-strong garrison on the grounds that urgently needed for a variety of social service.
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One suggestion being made is that to avoid the cost going up the size of the garrison should come down.
A large body of public opinion including a number of promi- nent citizens believes Hong Kong should not h › to spend anything on defence.
SECURITY
They maintain that Britain has an obligation 10 protect Hong Kong at Britain's own expense.
The British forces here are mainly concerned with the maintenance of internal security rather than the threat of external aggression.
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British troops played major role in quelling the 1967 disturbances in Hong Kong by providing a solid backing to the Royal Hong Kong police force.
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Mer. Laid