CONFIDENTIAL Covering Secret
Flag D
Flag E
Flag F
4. Labour Affairs
The Labour Adviser's report has been commented on by the Governor and was submitted on 22 May. Labour Affairs are of continuing interest to the public and to political parties in the UK. Commentary on the recent allegations by the "Club of Ten" is also at Flag D. Lord Goronwy-Roberts has said that we should maintain a steady but not undue pressure
from the UK on wages and labour matters.
5. Death Penalty
The Governor has expressed anxiety about the working of the present informal arrangements. Sir D Watson has submitted a commentary on the problem which has been forwarded to the Secretary of State and will be discussed with him on 21 June.
6. The Defence Review
The Governor is having discussions with Mr Rodgers and with Ministry of Defence officials. The Working Party of officials has included a passage on Hong Kong in its report which suggests that the garrison might be halved over time. The Governor and the Commander British Forces Hong Kong consider that this may not be militarily possible if internal security is to be maintained. The present garrison is a deterrent to potential troublemakers by its very presence. Hong Kong at present pay about £8 million a year towards the cost of the garrison. The proportion of the total cost to be borne locally might be increased. it would be tactically unwise to suggest to the Hong Kong Government that the size of the garrison will be tailored to the amount that they will pay. Much will depend on presentation and therefore on the Governor.
But
CONFIDENTIAL Covering Secret
17.
No comments yet.
Private notes are available after approval.