5. Relations with the Chinese) That is a matter for my rt hon
Government.
6.
Constitution.
7. Reinforcement after Defence Review.
8. Size of garrison.
friend the Foreign and
Commonwealth Secretary.
We shall still be able to reinforce
the garrision should the need arise.
The garrision consist of five
infantry battalions, an artillery
regiment, a squadron each of
armoured cars and engineers, a frigat
and patrol boats, a squadron of
helicopters and appropriate support.
The total strength is about 10,000.
9.
Cost of garrison.
The present cost of the garrison is
about £40M a year.
10. Hong Kong contribution
11.
Role of helicopters.
12.
Local malitia or gendarmerie,
Under the present cost-sharing
agreement, which expires in 1976,
Hong Kong currently meets about
25% of the cost.
The helicopters provide the Army and
police with a degree of mobility
which the rugged and crowded nature
of much of the Colony would otherwis
preclude.
We do not consider that it would be
commensurate with our constitutional
responsibilities for the Colony to
withdraw the garrison and rely on
such a force.