SECRET
Guard for the Commonwealth Liaison Mission in Korea.
Since
withdrawal from our main commitments East of Suez the Garrison
has had no wider strategic role, but its very presence
provides valuable cover for UK and Allied intelligence
activity.
Possible Changes
6.
arrangements.
British Forces can serve overseas under a variety of
Although garrisons are usually maintained only
on British territory there is no constitutional objection
to their maintenance on foreign territory (eg Federal
Republic of Germany, Belize, Brunei). But in such cases
their duties and roles are governed by agreements between
Britain and the countries concerned. There is no recent
precedent for a British garrison on foreign soil having an
acknowledged role in internal security. British Forces may
also be stationed abroad on an individual basis. In practice
where large numbers of personnel are so stationed (eg Oman)
they become an integral part of the local forces.
Recognition of Chinese sovereignty with continuing British
administration
7.
If an agreement was reached whereby Chinese sovereignty
over Hong Kong was conceded in return for continued British
administration after 1997 there would be no reason in British
law to prevent the stationing of British Forces in Hong Kong.
The continued presence of the Garrison would be very important
in maintaining confidence in the new arrangements.
If HMG
/retained
- 3
SECRET
'