ROZAOB
IS IT REALLY POSSIBLE TO CONSIDER ALLOWING CHINESE TROOPS INTO URBAN
AREAS OF HONG KONG AFTER 1997?
We have always stressed to Chinese need to deal with stationing of PLA troops in Hong Kong in a sensitive way. Have explained that high profile presence, particularly in urban areas, would have
negative effect on confidence.
Recent developments in China will undoubtedly have heightened sensitivities in Hong Kong towards siting of PLA forces in
territory. When time comes to continue our disucussions with Chinese on defence land matters we will naturally reflect these sensitivities to them.
Our aim is to ensure that any understanding we reach with the Chinese on military sites is acceptable to the people of Hong Kong