Background
CONFIDENTIAL
8.
The
reinforcement.
garrison in Hong Kong consists of 5 infantry battalions (four Gurkha and one British), Gurkha support units, five naval patrol craft and two squadrons of helicopters (one
RAF and one army). There i s provision for ad hoc short term
A new Defence Costs Agreement was signed in
October 1980 and came into effect in April 1981. It will run
for seven years initially, and will be renewable for further
periods of five years on the same terms unless varied. Hong
costs under the Agreement remain at 75%. The Garrison is commanded by Major General Boam, (CBF), who is
a member of EXCO. Naval Forces are commanded by Captain in Charge, Hong Kong.
Kong's contribution
9.
in
Decision to reduce garrison from 5 to 4 battalions
1987 and disband 2/7 Gurkha Rifles announced on 27 September.
Taken essentially to avoid costs of building a new barracks
(Kohima), which no longer justified. Public interest but
little obvious anxiety. Chinese, who had expressed
concern earlier about any
reduction, have said nothing to us
since the announcement.
s ome
10.
We and the MOD are beginning a study of the long term future of the garrison and the rate at which it should be wound
down between now and 30 June 1997. We are awaiting a Hong Kong
Government paper on
defence force/strengthened
an
police force that could
internal
tak e on
1997.
functions and continue after
in 1986.
some of the garrison's
Study will be put to OD(K)
11.
Defence is a subject
subject of considerable sensitivity for the
Chinese. They announced during the negotiations that they will base PLA troops in Hong Kong after 1 July 1997. They were not
prepared to agree to our proposal of an internal defence force during negotiations on the agreement, but they did not reject
it out of hand. Whatever decisions result from the CD (K) study
will need to be
be discussed with the Chinese, probably in the
Joint Liaison Group, before they are made public.
CONFIDENTIAL