SECRET
THIS DOCUMENT IS THE PROPERTY OF HER BRITANNIC MAJESTY'S GOVERNMENT
OPD (K) (93)
JUNE 1993
CABINET
MINISTERIAL COMMITTEE ON DEFENCE AND OVERSEAS POLICY
(DEPENDENT TERRITORIES)
HONG KONG: THE FUTURE OF THE BRITISH GARRISON
Memorandum by the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth
Affairs and the Secretary of State for Defence
Introduction
1. This memorandum examines the military, political and
financial implications of a rapid run down of the Hong Kong
garrison to an essentially symbolic presence in the light of its
reduced operational role; the prospect of increasing the
availability of forces to meet commitments elsewhere; and in
order to avoid creating political difficulty with the Legislative
Council (LEGCO) in Hong Kong over defence costs.
Background
2. The Hong Kong garrison currently comprises 6600 military
personnel from all three services and 2200 civilian personnel.
Its basic components are set out at Annex A. Essentially it
PA/S/2.033
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SECRET