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reasonable figuro should be below half of the total defence costs.
A hundred years ago, the purpose of the British Garrison was to suppress internal riots and to protect the British residing in Hong Kong. Now the time has changed and the British Garrison could no longer defend Hong Kong from external agressions, but only remind the Hong Kong citizens of the shame of being conquered by foreign powers. Moreover, the Chinero and the British are now living together peacefully, so the Fritish Garrison has losts its original purpose. If Britain withdraw its forces from Hong Kong entirely, it will eliminate the shadow of colonialism from Hong Kong. But instead of doing so, Brit in is increasing Hong Kong's contribution to the defence cost, aid needless to say, the people are against it.
If the Hong Kong Goverment needs an army to defend itself from foreign agression, it should recruit militia in Hong Kong who will be more suitable to defend their motherland.
For long-term purposes, Hong Kong should follow the international custom and declare itself an "open city". According to international law, an open city will have no military defence and thus it will not become a military target. The military emense thus saved can be used to promote social welfare in Hong Kong. The public will increase its support for the Hong Kong Government and will rise up in defence when faced with foreign agression. In that case, though Hong Kong has no army, every citizen is a soldier.
Communist Press
Hong Kong Evening News (30.9.71)
(Estimated circulation : 34,000)
The British Government wants the tax-payers in Hong Kong to pay a total of $170 million a year, half of the up-keeps for the British forces here.
The total annual expenses of the British forces here are $340 million and there are at present some 9,500 British soldiers here. In other words, more than $30,000 have to be spent on every soldier each year. Isn't this a bit too much?
It is alright If the money is spent on a worthwhile course, but is it worthwhile to spend such large sums on British soldiers who seem to have been of little use to us both before and after the War except to appear in parados now and then? In this case, a Guard of Honour will be sufficient for Hong Kong, and then we can save at least 99% of what we are paying now.
It is of little advantage to the Hong Kong Government to carry out marathon negotiations with the Authorities in London. If Hong Kong finds the expenses too high, she should minimize the number of troops here, and this will suit both parties.
After all, Hong Kong has no enemy at present and in case she is faced with an enemy one day, there is nothing that the 9,500 British soldiers here can do to defend her.
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