South China Morin, bost
30/9/71
New defence costs 'too much to bear'
A Government announcement on Hongkong defence costs contribution can be expected soon, it was learned yesterday.
The strength of Hongkong's garrison at present is between 9,500 and 10,000, and a Joint Services spokesman said the number would be maintained in the foreseeable future.
A decision had been made some time ago that it was not necessary to increase the strength, he added.
Commenting on the exclusive S.C.M. Post report that the British Government is asking Hongkong to contribute £60 million ($840 million) on defence costs. many people thought the amount was too much for Hongkong to bear.
Mr Chan Pak-yip. Vice- Chairman of the Heung Yee Kuk, said: "They are asking more than Malta are asking of them."
"Hongkong should not be tied down with such a
tremendous sum of money.”
It was accepted that Hongkong would be defenceless in an outisde invasion, he said.
Mr Yan Chi-kit, President of the Hongkong and Kowloon Joint Kaifong Research Council, said the demand was "too much and unreasonable.“
He hoped the amount would be reduced. The costs would in the end be passed on to the man in the street, he said.
"Hongkong can't just have police and no soldiers," he said. "We should have them, even though it is a token force. Unfortunately they are 100 expensive."
Dr C. W. Chuang. President of the Chinese Manufacturers' Association, doubted Hongkong can afford the cost.
He observed that there are
signs of a recession in industries such as wigs, electronics and plastics. And the rising wages continue to lessen the competitiveness of Hongkong products on world markets.
Bearing these factors in mind, he said. Hongkong should invest internally, to use the huge amount of money on social welfare. vocational training, in the battle to solve youth problems and on other items for its well being and prosperity.
In case of a war, the military would be no use to Hongkong - even if it had 100,000 soldiers; Dr Chuang said.
"The question here is internal security, and security is well maintained by the police." he said.
Mr P. C. Woo, a member of (Contd on Back Page, Col 3)
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