TNAG-0445-FCO40-510-Discussions-with-Sir-Murray-MacLehose--Governor-of-Hong-Kong-1974 — Page 23

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anyway survive. He needed to be able to reinforce his own opinion with a clear statement from UK Ministers.

5.3 Sir Murray agreed that it would also be worth

examining possible other extensions of penal sanctions.

A major problem in Hong Kong was violent crime inspired

by the Triad societies, which were virtually a Hong Kong

Mafia. If hardened criminals were not to be deterred

by the death penalty it might be possible to approach

the problem of the Triad societies in other ways, such

as an extension of Preventive Detention for hardened

criminals. This would also do something to maintain

public confidence.

6.

6.1

The Defence Review

Sir M MacLehose had already discussed this

subject with Mr Rodgers and with FCO and MOD officials.

He would be discussing it further on 24 June both with

the PUS and with the Secretary of State.

6.2 He understood the UK situation, and the need

for sweeping economies. However, consideration of the needs of Hong Kong should start from a recognition that 6 units had been fully deployed in the troubles of

1967. HongKong's external relations with China had

since improved, but reductions in the size of the

garrison would need to be justified to ExCo on the

basis of professional advice. The Defence Agreement

Others expired in 1976 and it would be difficult to persuade

dbe

Hong Kong to increase its contribution thereafter.

6.3 It was pointed out that in the current Defence

Review the starting position of MOD officials was that

The Treasing prihm w all British forces should be removed, and that Hong Kong should pay the full cost of whatever garrison was

retained. However, Mr Rodgers had agreed with Sir M MacLehose that Britain did have some special responsi- bility towards Hong Kong. Difficult negotiations were in prospect. Policy would probably need to be settled at Ministerial level and, meanwhile, Sir M MacLehose was concerned that his views should be reflected (if only in a footnote) in the Defence Review working party's report.

16.4

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