4-
c) Overseas Students' Fees:
Garrison
17.
Regrettable that need to cut
public spending in 1980-81 raised difficulties for
Hong Kong students.
Garrison currently consists of 5 Infantry batallions
(4 Gurkha, 1 British), Gurkha engineers, 5 RN patrol craft, a
squadron of RAF Wessex helicopters, a squadron of Army Scout
helicopters and support elements.
18. Garrison demonstrates HMG's commitment to integrity and
security of Hong Kong. No problem with China over its presence.
Role to assist the Hong Kong Government and support police in
maintenance of law and order within the Territory and on its
frontiers, to assist in disaster relief, to maintain confidence
and to deter incursions or aggression. Much of its time is
currently spent in cooperation with the police in dealing with
the problem of illegal immigration from China which in 1979-80
caused it to be severely overstretched.
disturbances.
19. Main threat to Hong Kong Garrison is internal security
These could be complicated by the influx of large
numbers of illegal immigrants from China. China not regarded
external threat at present or in conceivable future.
Defence Costs Agreement (DCA)
20. Garrison is subject of Defence Costs Agreement (DCA). New
DCA signed in October 1980 between HMG and Hong Kong Government
to run for 7 years from 1 April 1981. Hong Kong Government contri-
butes 75% of costs. Total cost 1981-82 approximately £150 million
of which HMG's share is approximately £38 million.
/21.