SECRET UK EYES A
ANNEX A TO
DRAFT DOPC PAPER
COS 1030/756
DEFENCE REVIEW: HONG KONG
J..
At their meeting on 9 September (OPD(74)) 14th Meeting,
Item 3), Ministers decided that our forces in Hong Kong should
be reduced and maintained without an assured rapid reinforcement
capability, and that Hong Kong should be asked to contribute not
less than three quarters of the cost of the smaller garrison.
At their further meeting on 18 September (OPD)(74) 15th Meeting)
they directed that officials should prepare briefs on that basis
but should also examine the possibility that Hong Kong's share
of the cost would not exceed one half. Officials have accordingly
held meetings in Ilong Kong and London with the Governor and his
official advisers,
Timing of an Agreement
2. It will be difficult for the Hong Kong Covernment, which
is now heavily involved in the 1975/76 budget, to complete
negotiations on a new Defence Agreement until about May. The
Agreement would enter into force in April 1976 when the present
one expires.
Force levels and costs
3.
The present garrison consists of 6 teeth-arm units/
battalions together with an RN squadron of a Frigate and 5
Patrol Craft, and an RAF element. The cost is about £50M a
year at Estimates 1975/76 prices (this equals the figure of
£42M at 1974 Survey prices quoted in OPD(74)31). Military
advice is that in the present internal and external circumstances
A - 1
SECRAT UK BYTS A