HONG KONG: LINES TO TAKE
Q. Is the garrison taking steps in the light of the report of Deng's statement/other Chinese pronouncements?
A. This is a political problem. No military response is appropriate.
Q. But the garrison has contingency plans?
Garrisons generally maintain contingency plans for all foreseeable circumstances.
A.
[If pressed] We do not discuss operational details.
Q. Will the announced garrison reductions be rescinded?
A. No.
[If pressed] But all plans are subject to continuous review in light of changing circumstances.
Q. 3000 garrison insufficient to deter Chinese action?
A. The decision to move to a 300 garrison took full account of the assessed security situation in Hong Kong up to 1997. That assessment has not changed.
Q. Will the garrison resist a Chinese invasion/takeover?
A.
Question does not arise. Both the British and Chinese governments are committed under the joint declaration to smooth transfer of sovereignty, in 1997, and China is committed to support British administration up to then. Role of garrison is to demonstrate UK's commitment to Hong kong's stability and security up to 30 June 1997.
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