TNAG-0477-FCO40-542-Strength-of-garrison-in-Hong-Kong-1974 — Page 54

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mr Desibrook Mr Goodison

(SEED)

mr verr

(WOD) Mr Dinwiddly

(HKIOD)

DEFENCE REVIEW STEERING COMMITTEE MEETING

MONDAY 5 AUGUST AT 3 PM

1.

In summing up Ministers' second discussion of the Steering Committee report on the Defence Review at the OPD 13th Meeting on 1 August the Prime Ministor referred various subjects back

Mr Howard to the Steering Committee for further consideration. Smith has told us that the object of Monday's meeting of the Committee is to decide how this work should be carried out. It is not intended that there should be any detailed consideration

It is or that any substantive conclusions should be reached. dosirable that further consideration of detail should be referred to a sub-committee (or sub-committees) of the Steering Committec under Mr Howard Smith's Chairmanship: we do not think it should be remitted to the Defence Studies Working Party.

2.

Mr Smith has told us that the particular subjects for discussion mentioned by Sir J Hunt are:

(a) Hong Kong

The Steering Committee or its sub-committee may be

asked to establish:-

(1) Minimum force level required to maintain

(ii)

internal security;

Reinforcement level; and

(iii) If the reinforcement capability were increased

whether it would be possible substantially to reduce the force level on (i).

Line to Take

The minimum garrison necessary to maintain internal security in Hong Kong must first be established after consultation with the Governor. The necessity for such consultation should bo stressed. If possible the Steering Committee's guidance should

Having be obtained as to when we may approach the Governor.

/established

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