SECREM
BRIW HO, 3
VISM OF HIHISIVER OF STATE FOR COMMON BALTI AFFAIRS
TO HONG KONG
OCTOBER 1967,
Defence and Intoznal Security
In the context of the Defence Review, the size of the Hong Kong garrison has not been finally decided. It was reinforced recently by one battalion and is considered to be about the right sizo in presont circumstances. All this has boon stated in Parliamont.
2.
The present run-dom of forces in Singapore and the announcement that withdrawal from Singapore is contemplated in the 1970s may prompt some questions about long-term intentions with regard to the Hong Kong garrison. As has been stated publicly through Ministry of Defence sources, it is our intention to maintain an adequate garrison in Hong Kong..
3. The Hong Kong Government has expressed concern about reports that they are to be charged with the extra costs incurred by the military for assistance, during confrontation a.g. cost of troating wounded policemen in the military hospital, use of helicopters and vehicles in support of police search operations and raids etc. The general doctrine is that extra costs are raised for internal security oporations in aid of the civil power, Hong Kong is claiming that such charges should not now be raised since its defence contribution was reassessed to cover the foreign exchange coats of that portion of the garrison postulated to be for internal security. This is perhaps just arguablo as is the point that in the circumstancos of Hong Kong it is impossible to be dogmatic about whether the source of the throat is internal or external. We have reserved our position with the Ministry of Dofonce and have asked for details of any chargos they intend to raise.
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4. The Hong Kong Governmont have suggested that H.M.G. should meot part of the cost of the second border fence now erected well to the ' south of the frontier. The Army have provided the wiro (by far the most costly item) and tochnical supervision; the Hong Kong Governmont have paid the labour force and land compensation. We recognise that since this i in the nature of an immigration control measure (it has no military capability or significance) it is clearly not an appropriate charge for Defence Votos. We are approaching the Treasury on the basis that H.M.G. should meet the cost of the wire. We are using (without any great confidence the argument that it is to moet a situation which can be regarded as part of the external threat to the Colony.
Hong Kong Department,
October, 1967.
SECRET
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