SECRET UK EYES A
LOCSEN
indicated their preparedness to intervene militarily themselves if unrest is deemed to be getting out of hand in the final years. When CDS 7/87 was issued, the plans for the PLA presence in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (SAR) post-1997 were not known.
6.
Perceptions in Hong Kong. The HKG's objectives were that the Chinese garrison should be as small as possible, and that it should not have a presence in the urban areas. They considered that a high profile PLA presence would be detrimental to levels of confidence, both of the local community and of foreign residents. They attached great importance to ensuring that the Police would continue to maintain public order, and be seen to be doing so, without reliance on the garrison. Their plans for expansion of the Police Force to take over some of the IS duties currently performed by the garrison (in particular anti-illegal immigrant (II) work) have been accepted by the Chinese and are being implemented. These will enable a reduction in the size of the garrison.
7. Requirements and Intentions of HMG. HMG, whilst acknowledging HKG's concerns, emphasised that HMG remains responsible under the provisions of the 1984 Sino/UK Joint Declaration "for the administration of Hong Kong with the object of maintaining and preserving its economic prosperity and social stability " until 30 June 1997. HMG intends to demonstrate to the PRCG that this responsibility has been accepted. HMG also considered it necessary to retain military units to support the Police during the period of role-familiarisation, especially at a time when police morale could be subject to pressure. Furthermore, HMG judged it preferable to have military force available to control unrest rather than risk pre-emptive Chinese intervention. HMG therefore determined that a garrison of appropriate strength and composition to demonstrate HMG's commitment
COS53.4-15
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3 LOCSEN
UK EYES A
SECRET