4
20.
The British side proposed that instead of striving for the retention of the military base at H.M.S. Tamar, it would be better to set up the military headquarters in the vicinity of the urban area. One of the sites under consideration was Stonecutters Island in western Kowloon.
21.
The island IS at present categorised as undeveloped. It is surrounded by deep water suitable for use by naval vessels. Moreover, the island is not far from Hong Kong and urban Kowloon, making mobilization of troops convenient. It is suitable for developing into a military camp or base.
22.
Stonecutters Island was originally one of the sites designated for the development of Container Terminal Nos. 8 and 9. The latest study, however, indicated that in view of the rapid increase in the demand for cargo handling, there would not be sufficient time for Stonecutters Island to be developed.
The Lands and Works Branch had, in principle, decided to build Terminal No. 8 on Tsing Yi Island to alleviate the present great demand. Sites for additional terminals would be identified at a later stage. It is expected that the relevant proposals would be approved by the Executive Council soon.
Chinese Side Consider Prudently the British Proposals
Though
23.
Stonecutters Island has the potential to be developed into container terminals, the British side are prepared to earmark the island for military purposes if the Chinese side agree not to station any troops in urban area.
24.
The Chinese
proposal carefully.
side are still considering the They would meet experts from the British side in the near future for the 4th round of defence talks during which the pros and cons of the proposal would be discussed.
25.
"There are indeed a lot of problems on defence between the two sides which require further discussions. But they are not insurmountable. As long as all concerned work in a pragmatic manner and with the spirit of mutual accommodation and mutual understanding a solution will eventually be found," sources from the Chinese side said.
26. identity garrison of the
uncertain,
two
Since the
sides have not reached an of views on
the question of whether the PLA should be stationed in urban areas, the future headquarters building at Tamar remains