LOOSE MINUTE
D/Sec (0) (C)/6/7
3 May 1990
MA/Minister (AF)
Copy to:
APS/S of S
PS/US of S(AF)
DPSO/CDS
PS/PUS
MA/DCDS (C)
ACDS (0)
AUS (C)
DROW
ACPR (Mil)
DPO
FCO/HKD
CONFIDENTIAL UK EYES A
АПС
Haswell ва
Gf.
-915
155
ge. Mr Whitched,
NEWS AGE
MK B
243/4
HONG KONG: GARRISON INVOLVEMENT WITH SECURITY OF VBP CAMPS
The Minister will wish to be aware of interest in today's press following calls by Hong Kong community leaders for British troops to become involved in the security of VBP camps. These calls have been fueled by an escape attempt (the second in a week - 100 VBPS having escaped the last time) earlier this morning from Whitehead detention centre, involving about 50 boat people armed with makeshift weapons who were eventually beaten back with tear gas by police and prison guards.
2.
According to Reuters reports, the Secretary for Security has stated that the Hong Kong Government would only consider using the garrison as camp guards in the last resort; the press reports therefore seem to be exaggerated. We have also confirmed with the FCO that no request for military assistance has been received, and nor is one imminent.
3. Our position remains, as before, that camp security and order are primarily the responsibility of the civil authorities, that use of the garrison should remain a last resort, and that MOD Ministers would have to be satisfied that all other options had been explored before authorising military involvement.
4. I attach a press line, for use in case of further media interest in military involvement with either camp security or suppression of camp disturbances.
Май Marti Hond
لسها
ML HOWARD
Sec (0) (C)
MB5314 6272MB
CONFIDENTIAL UK EYES A