SECRET UK EYES A
12. Paragraphs 33 and 34. Delete and replace with:
"The presence of a garrison of a size clearly capable of making a significant contribution to Hong Kong's security, as well as being important in its own right, will remain a key symbol of HMG's continuing commitment to the Territory up to the point of handover."
13. Paragraph 35. Delete all after "...valid today" in the last sentence.
14. Paragraph 37. Amend first sentence to read:
"A further cause for concern is that the current strength is some 1100 men below the establishment of 27500."
Delete the last sentence.
15. Paragraph 38. This is of marginal interest to our plans for the overall size and shape of the garrison. Suggest deletion.
16. Paragraph 39. Nowhere here, or anywhere else in the section on the RHKP, is there any mention of the relatively low take up from the Police on the British nationality scheme, - as a counter to the rather gloomy prognosis about morale and
commitment.
17. Paragraphs 40 and 41. About to be overtaken by events. If OPD sign up to what the Defence Secretary is being put up to propose, it ought to be sufficient simply to mention what Ministers have agreed on the future of the Gurkhas, either here or in an earlier section giving assumptions. (This latter could also cover the agreed position on the future of the patrol craft and the withdrawal of the first battalion.)
18. Paragraph 43. Amend last sentence to read:
"...reinforcements which, if required, would be...
19. Paragraphs 44 and 45. Insert last three sentences of paragraph 45 after the first sentence of paragraph 44. Start new paragraph at existing second sentence of paragraph 44. Delete remainder of paragraph 45.
20. Paragraph 47. Amend fifth sentence to read:
"...from recent reductions in numbers, disappointment..."
Delete last two sentences and replace with:
"Some steps have already been taken."
SECRET UK EYES A