HCDC HONG KONG
-
CONFIDENTIAL
QUESTIONS ON STRATEGIC ISSUES
A1a.
ARE ANY CHANGES PROPOSED TO BRITAIN'S DEFENCE ROLE IN THE MEDIUM TERM?
A1b.
HOW IS THE 1997 DEADLINE AFFECTING THESE?
A1c.
A2.
WILL THE LEVEL OF BRITISH FORCES REMAIN THE SAME?
WHAT ASSESSMENT HAS BEEN MADE OF THE LEVEL OF INTERNAL SECURITY ACTIVITY WHICH MAY BE REQUIRED AS THE DATE OF THE ENDING OF THE LEASE APPROACHES?
No. The size and composition of
the British forces were agreed
with the Hong Kong Government in
negotiation of the 1981 Defence
Cost Agreement. The agreement runs
for an initial period of 7 years and we have no plans to change it._7
The future of Hong Kong beyond
1997 is the subject of confidential
talks through diplomatic channels.
It is far too early to speculate
on the implications for Britain's
defence role.
We see no need for change for the
time being. British Forces
Worldwide are kept under periodic
review; the force level in Hong
Kong was most recently reviewed in
1980. 7
This is really a matter for the
Hong Kong Government. As far as
the garrison is concerned all
factors which may affect internal
security are kept under review.
CONFIDENTIAL