hum7.4
SECRET
X
1
We will need to ensure that any proposal for a more rapid run-down of the garrison takes account of political considerations. In particular, we will need to consider the risk of a perception (in Hong Kong and in China) of a diminishing British commitment to Hong Kong and also whether a small residual garrison would leave us with adequate capability to deal with any foreseeable internal security problem. The Governor's advice on that will be crucial: Ministers might wish to discuss collectively eg in OPD (K).
Richa
Lichett
PF Ricketts
I agree on X. The political and military inglicaties of
accalarter
om
-dam
would read to be carefully andypet
and basised betwen Ministes.
SECRET
сири