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SECURITY FORCES: ESSENTIAL FACTS
1.
Much of the programme on 31 March will be devoted to the
activities of the security forces, particularly in relation to
their work on illegal immigration control.
DEFENCE COSTS AGREEMENT (DCA)
20
In October 1980, HMG and the Hong Kong Government signed
a new Defence Costs Agreement to run for 7 years from 1 April 1981.
Hong Kong Government contributes 75% of costs. In 1981/82 this
is expected to be £90 million (twice the 1980/81 figure), Under
terms of DCA, the Hong Kong Garrison will eventually consist of
5 battalions plus support units.
ILLEGAL IMMIGRATION OPERATIONS
3. Garrison primarily deployed in operations against illegal
immigrants (see Brief No 11). In cooperation with Police, forces
caught over 170,000 illegal immigrants during 1979 and up
to change of policy on repatriation at end of October 1980.
ROYAL HONG KONG POLICE FORCE (RHKPF)
4. Hong Kong Police Force emerged from 1967 disturbances in
Hong Kong with enhanced reputation and was consequently awarded
title 'Royal'. Unfortunately, shortly afterwards large-scale
syndicated corruption came into being. As a result, in 1974
the Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC) was set up.
Near Effectiveness of ICAC greatly demoralised RHKPF.
mutiny in November 1978. Governor then granted amnesty for all
Force subse- corrupt offences committed before 1 January 1978.
quently began to regain its morale, particularly after work on
5.
illegal immigration won much public acclaim.
/Garrison
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