TNAG-0477-FCO40-542-Strength-of-garrison-in-Hong-Kong-1974 — Page 50

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HONG KONG:

DEFENCE REVIEW

MEETING IN SIR DUNCAN WATSON'S OFFICE ON FRIDAY 9 AUGUST AT 11.00 A.M.

Present:

FCO

Sir D Watson (in the Chair)

Sir G Arthur

Mr R B Crowson

Mr R Westbrook

Ministry of Defence

Mr A P Hockaday

Rear Admiral A S Morton

Commodore B C Perowne

H M Treasury

Mr JCR Bayatt

1.

Sir M MacLehose

The meeting had been called because of the Governor's temporary presence in Britain and the decision in OPD that the Hong Kong Government should be asked to pay the full cost of the garrison there. It was explained to the Governor that this represented the Chancellor's aim; the consensus in the Cabinet was probably that Hong Kong should pay as much as possible, and preferably the total costs. The Ministry of Defence's view was that if there were to be no reinforcement capability, then the garrison would need to stay at its present size; if there were a reinforcement capability, 5 battalions would be necessary. This judgment was based on informal discussion with the Commander, British Forces. Ministers had asked whether a smaller garrison would not be possible. The Defence Review Steering Committee had decided earlier in the week that the Governor should be consulted on the matter now.

2.

Sir M MacLehose said that he could not give off the cuff

When would a response be needed? Sir G Arthur thought

answers.

Sir M MacLehose said

that the end of August would be appropriate. that he would have to consult the CBF. It would be wrong for Hong Kong to agree to too small a garrison for its needs

the garrison had been fully stretched in 1967. But it would be very difficult

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