TNAG-0479-FCO40-544-Strength-of-garrison-in-Hong-Kong-1974 — Page 100

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CHINESE REPRESENTATION

4.

There have been no recent discussions about this proposal.

(If pressed on whether the Chinese have been given any encouragement to pursue their request.)

No.

(If pressed on whether the Chinese have been told to agree to an official representative.) Yes.

are unable

(If pressed on what attitude the Government would take if the Chinese press the proposal.) I would not want to comment on a hypothetical aituation.

DEFENCE REVIEW

5. The force levels of the garrison in Hong Kong are being examined together with all our defence commitments in the

context of the Defence Review. As my right honourable Friend, the Lord President of the Council, announced on 31 October, the

later in Government will make a statement about the Review in third week of November. The White Paper will not now be published, owing to the General Election, until early next year.

2.