TNAG-0061-FCO40-97-Strength-of-Hong-Kong-garrison-1968 — Page 134

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(THIS DOCUMENT IS THE PROPERTY OF HER BRITANNIC MAJESTY'S GOVERNMENT)

COPY NO1.00..of 100 copies

MINISTRY OF DEFENCE

CHIEFS OF STAFF COMMITTEE

CONFIDENTIAL ANNEX

ΤΟ

COS 25TH MEETING/68, HELD ON TUESDAY

30TH APRIL 1968 AT 3.00 pm

1. MEETING WITH SIR DAVID TRENCH COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF, HONG KONG

THE GOVERNOR AND

SIR CHARLES ELWORTHY welcomed Sir David Trench (Governor and Commander-in-Chief, Hong Kong) to the meeting. He said that there were a number of studies in hand on the subject of Hong Kong in general and, in particular, on the future shape and size of the Garrison. The Committee had already agreed (1) a paper on the size of the Garrison and made their recommendations. However there were a number of related points which were still undecided on which the Committee would welcome the views of the Governor. These included the questions of whether units should be on accompanied or unaccompanied tours, whether fighter aircraft were essential in the Colony, and the future of the Gurkhas. It would be most helpful if the Governor would give the latest position in Hong Kong.

SIR DAVID TRENCH said that there had been a considerable improvement since December 1967 and the violence had gone out of the situation. Incidents were bound to arise but would proabably be created by accident rather than as a result of Communist policy. There were a number of areas of difficulty. The Communist Press continued to make at least 50 actionable statements each day but it was not politic to take proceedings and in any case their efforts seemed to be counter-productive, although these papers were a means of transmitting Communist policy. A degree of Communist indoctrination still occurred in schools but this was gradually being brought under control; those receiving such indoctrination represented only 1.95 per cent of the school population. Picnic parties in the New Territories were another possible source of trouble although only one incident had so far occurred. Within the Unions, efforts were concentrated on restoring morale lost due to confrontation. The Communists had attempted to find a propaganda issue with which to unite public opinion but so far had had little success. reluctant to make use of industrial disputes since it was

They were generally realised that working conditions in China were much worse than those in the Colony. A major effort was being made to get the strikers, who were dismissed in May/June of 1967, reinstated in their jobs with the aim of regaining control of essential services. This would also reduce the cost of meeting strike pay.

Such moves were being resisted strongly. In general, the situation was satisfactory but the Communists were engaged in a long struggle to win over the opulation and could

Note:

1. COS 23/68.

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