TNAG-0480-FCO40-545-Strength-of-garrison-in-Hong-Kong-1974 — Page 12

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1.

NOTES FOR SUPPLEMENTARIES

ABILITY TO WITHSTAND DETERMINED CHINESE ATTACK:

2.

INTERNAL SECURITY ROLE:

PQ 1775 B

The presence of the garrison, particularly along the border helps to preserve the territorial integrity of the Colony and acts as a deterrent

to external attack. [If pressed on

the nature of the threat and how to

meet it]. It is not our practice to

give details of such operational

matters.

an unfortand

-important

The garrison has a vital role to

play in helping the Civil Government

and Police to maintain law and order.

[If pressed]. Their presence

contributes directly to the stability

and continuing prosperity of the

Colony.

3.

WHY NOT: GIVE UP HONG KONG.

We administer the Colony in the

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interests of the 4 million inhabitants

who have chosen to live there. It

is apparent that the Chinese

Government do not wish to disturb the

present situation.