6195 D073528 400M 2/74 Cr.P.C. 839/3
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Question 10
The Governor has been consulted at all stages of the
Sh Review. Formal consultations will be taking place between Her Majesty's Government and the Government
of Hong Kong. The outcome will be made public in
the context of the White Paper on the Defence Review
in March.
Question 11
The proposal to reduce the garrison was made bearing in mind both the current manpower and economic position in Britain and the minimum force level
necessary to meet the objectives of the garrison
in Hong Kong. The reduction is not to be interpreted in the light of Britain's relations with China. The arrangements for the proposed withdrawal of certain elements of the garrison are a matter for
discussion between governments but there will be no precipitate withdrawal.
Question 12
I am not unaware of Hong Kong's present economic
difficulties and I note with concern an increasing burden in supporting an expanding programme of social services. Britain, however, has her own
economic problems and we are asking the Hong Kong
authorities to meet the same order of defence
expenditure on her own behalf.