TNAG-0439-FCO40-504-Ministerial-Visits-Committee-monthly-returns-from-Hong-Kong--1974 — Page 75

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5.

Consultation on Defence Review matters has not so far extended

beyond the Governor, CBF HK and his single-Service Commanders and

such of the Governor's senior official advisers as the Governor

However you an also likely to encounter widespread

considers necessary. interest outside that Lick. The Govenor provided as a guide against the possibility that you will be

questioned by officials or others outside that circle:

The following sreaking notes are therefore

al

Any questions about the

future level of the garrison

or of the Hong Kong Government's

financial contribution.

If pressed for immediate

reassurance for the Hong Kong

population on the question of

the Garrison.

would

Consultations There will be discussiens» with

Hos Kos Govenment before the Governer if the outcome of any decisions were later affectin the Defence Review affects the The Hory Kors Carson as a reauts level of ti— garrison; and in of the Defence Review. In

aring

event Edgy t there will have to be under the Defence Agreement

negotiations on the level of the

Cont

financial contribution after

1976 at some future stage.

I cannot really add to what

I have already said. (If

pressed further). It is the

policy of HMG to maintain our

administration of Hong Kong,

but the Defence Review will be

all embracing and I cannot say

any more than I have on the

question of the garrison at

this stage.

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