CONFIDENTIAL
Stationing of PLA in Hong Kong after 1997?
12. Clear the PRC will be responsible for
be responsible for SAR's defence. Whether
troops be stationed there will be a matter for the Central People's
Government.
Agreement makes clear that public order will be
responsibility of the SAR Government and that
that troops
troops stationed in SAR for the purpose of defence will not interfere in its internal
affairs.
Future of the Gurkhas
13. The government has no plans to run down or disband the Brigade
of Gurkhas.
Future of the Garrison
14. Do not anticipate any material changes for the time being, but
we do, of course, keep the size of all our deployments under continuous review. HMG will remain responsible for the defence and
internal security of Hong Kong until 1997 and we will retain an
appropriate garrison for this purpose.
Strength of the Garrison/Kohima barracks project
15. Decisions need to be taken on the
to be taken on the future of the Kohima Barracks
Project and on the size of the garrison in Hong Kong. I understand that the Executive Council in Hong Kong will
recommendations
to HMG and we
with Hong Kong.
I cannot
look forward to
anticipate the
discussions.
shortly be
be making having discussions
out come of these
Bill of rights
16. Agreement provides explicitly for maintenance by the SAR of rights and freedoms previously in force in Hong Kong and for them to be protected by law. Also stipulates that provisions of relevant International Covenants as applied to Hong Kong will remain in force. All this to be enshrined in Basic Law and remain unchanged for 50 years.
Annual Debate
17. Government has agreed in another place to an annual report on
Hong Kong. This report will be laid before Parliament. Whether the
report is debated will have to be pursued through the usual channels
CONFIDENTIAL