-3-
Hong Kong should not have to pay anything
It has long been generally accepted that Hong Kong
should contribute to cost of its security.
Arrangements to share costs go back over many years.
Garrison is guarantee of Hong Kong's security.
Also heavily involved in operations to prevent
illegal immigration - and this will continue for
several years yet as police are gradually expanded.
Thereafter total costs of garrison will decrease
sharply as major units are withdrawn in final years
before 1997.
Payments should be on sliding scale/
Hong Kong SAR will pay nothing after 1 July 1997
There is already a significant decrease in the
-
proportion paid by Hong Kong 10% is substantial by
Further savings will come from a
any standard.
range of other measures. And overall costs will
decline as the planned withdrawal takes affect in
final years before 1997.
Garrison withdrawal
No firm timetable yet established for withdrawal
plan. No withdrawals of major units over next few
years.
There will be routine adjustments to force
levels as and when circumstances dictate.
Hence
withdrawal of the two patrol craft which are no
longer necessary.