CONFIDENTIAL
MR BLAKER'S MEETING WITH SIR MURRAY MACLEHOSE: 11.30 AM, FRIDAY, 11 JANUARY
BRIEF NO 5: STRENGTH OF THE HONG KONG GARRISON
1. The joint study prepared by the Hong Kong Government and
Headquarters, British Forces, Hong Kong, on the size of the garrison
in the 1980s is now under consideration in the MOD. The study
concluded that the garrison should be strengthened by the addition
of at least one infantry battalion plus supporting units: the case
for this stems from the fact that the extra burden placed on the
garrison by the increased level of illegal immigration from China
is likely to continue throughout the decade.
2.
Initially, the MOD questioned whether sufficient account had
been taken of the contribution that could be expected from the Royal
Hong Kong Police Force and other local resources. But these doubts
were resolved in discussions with the Chief of the General Staff
when he visited Hong Kong in November. The Defence Planning Staff,
MOD, are now proceeding with a force level review, which will form
the basis of a paper for the Chiefs of Staff Committee, who will
in turn then make recommendations to Ministers. The MOD expect that,
by the end of January, the review will have reached the stage where
further discussions with Hong Kong officials, particularly on costs,
may be appropriate.
3. The Governor originally asked whether a rapid decision could be
taken separately on the provision of an additional infantry
battalion, since it seemed obvious that whatever happened this
would inevitably be needed. This would enable the Hong Kong
Government to begin the practical preparations that would be
necessary before an extra battalion could be accommodated in Hong
CONFIDENTIAL
/Kong