SECRET
Any question about the
future level of the garrison
or of the Hong Kong
Government's financial
contribution.
There would be consultations with
the Hong Kong Government before any
decisions were taken affecting the
Hong Kong garrison as a result of
the Defence Review. In any event
there will have to be negotiations
under the Defence Agreement, at
some future stage, on the level of
the financial contribution after
1976.
If pressed for immediate
reassurance for the Hong Kong
population on the question of
the garrison.
I cannot really add to what I
have already said. (if pressed
further). It is the policy of
HMG to maintain our administration
of Hong Kong, but the Defence
Review will be all embracing and
I cannot say any more than I have
on the question of the garrison
at this stage.
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SBERETET
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