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between the liberals and the conservatives in the business community; the latter would prefer the proposals to be withdrawn. He stressed that with the proposals being taken as a single package, in order to avoid piecemeal rejection, its progression through the HK Legislature could be lengthy.
in LEGCO was The balance of power in
The onus was currently held by the independents. on LEGCO to develop a compromise; CBF thought it unlikely that LEGCO would water the proposals down enough to satisfy China.
5.
In dealing with the Garrison, CBF made the following points:
6.
a. The Garrison was still well regarded by the population as a
Its whole. involvement with such activities as the ASTF and maritime rescue helped.
b. The difficulties with Exercise WINGED DRAGON 92, and the reduction in Garrison routine operational tasks, such as the border commitment, had resulted in increased questioning of the justification for the Garrison by the liberals and some elements of the HKG. The HKG was nervous at having to justify the Garrison's costs to an independent LEGCO.
c. The fundamental role of the Garrison had not changed. Any early, substantial reduction of the Garrison would send the We should aim to wrong message to the PRC. retain a smaller but robust and capable Garrison, with full local and political backing.
In response to a question by AD (FE) it was stated that the LEGCO vote on the Governor's democratic proposals probably would not be before summer 1993, or even later due to the intention This to achieve a degree of PRC consultation. would almost certainly delay resolution of the Defence Lands and other issues.
ITEM 4- SECRETARIAT VIEW
7.
The Chairman invited Mr Bowen, Hd Sec(0) (C),
He identified to provide the Secretariat view. two new issues since the previous HKSC:
a.
The difficulties over the outstanding DCA payments due for FY 92/93.
b.
The dangers of rejection in the longer term of the DCA by the HKG. This was a major issue of principle, as an agreement negotiated to run to 1997 was apparently now being viewed by the HKG in terms of
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