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4.
SECRET
Conversely a decision to substantially reduce
the garrison in Hong Kong would bring into question
the future of the brigade of Gurkhas since the
colony provides the main Gurkha base.
5. The Hong Kong Government at present makes a
defence contribution of an average of £8 million per
annum. The Memorandum of Understanding which covers
this expires in 1976 and a new understanding would
be necessary in the light of any decision to change
the present level of the garrison.
6.
Any hint that HMG were preparing to reduce the
size of the garrison could have a grave effect on
confidence in Hong Kong and it is thus essential
that there should be no public reference to it.
The first requirement is thus to consult the in strict confidue Governor and Commander British Forces on whether the
present garrison can be reduced; we should also need
their views on the timing and form of any withdrawal
if they were prepared to contemplate it or Ministera
were to decide on it in spite of the greater risks
involved.
Lon
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SECRET
(17259) Dd.897459 250m 12/72 G.W.B.Ltd. Gp.863 (16941) Dd.897300 250m 9/72 G.W.B.Ltd. Gp.863
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