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.
9. Cost of garrison.
10. Hong Kong contribution.
11. Role of helicopters.
12. Local militia or
gendarmerie.
friend the Foreign and Commonwealth
Secretary.
We shall still be able to reinforce
the garrison should the need arise.
The garrison consists of five
infantry battalions, an artillery
regiment, a squadron each of
armoured cars and engineers, a
frigate and patrol boats, a squadron
of helicopters and appropriate
support. The total strength is about
10,000.
The present cost of the garrison
is about £40M a year at 1974 Survey
prices.
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 crowed naturc
of much of the Colony would otherwis:
preclude.
We do not consider that it would be
commensurate with our constitutional
/responsibilities