TNAG-0480-FCO40-545-Strength-of-garrison-in-Hong-Kong-1974 — Page 72

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RESTRICTED

6.

WHAT IS THE SIZE

OF THE PROPOSED REDUCTION:

I cannot comment on our proposals

in advance of consultations with

the Hong Kong Government.

7.

8.

9.

10.

11.

HOW LARGE A

CONTRIBUTION WILL THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT HAVE TO PAY:

That is a matter for consultation

with the Hong Kong Government and

I cannot add to what was said in the

statement to the House on 3 December.

WHAT IS THE TIMESCALE FOR REDUCING THE GARRISON AND INCREASING THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT'S

CONTRIBUTION:

That is a matter for consultation

with the Hong Kong Government and

I cannot prejudge the outcome.

FUTURE OF HMG'S COMMITMENT TO HONG KONG:

We have already made it clear that we

have no intention of abandoning

Hong Kong.

F

THE END OF THE LEASE:

The new territories lease does not

expire until 1997. It is not possible

to predict what the circumstances

will be so far in the future.

RELATIONS WITH THE

CHINESE GOVERNMENT:

That is a matter for my rt hon Friend

the Foreign and Commonwealth

Secretary.