GR585
CYPHER/CAT A Та
FM FCO 931205Z
CONFIDENTIAL
CONFIDENTIAL
TOP
(HK)
TO ROUTINE HONG KONG TELNO 6 OF 3 JANUARY 1975.
MY IMMEDIATELY PRECEDING TELEGRAM
P.Q. ON HONG KONG
1. FOLLOWING ARE PROPOSED ANSWERS TO POSSIBLE SUPPLEMENTARIES:- ABILITY TO WITHSTAND DETERMINED CHINESE ATTACK:
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 PRESSSED ON THE NATURE OF THE THREAT AND HOW TO MEET IT). IT IS NOT CUR PRACTICE TO GIVE DETAILS OF SUCH OPERATIONAL MATTERS.
INTERNAL SECURITY ROLE:
THE GARRISON HAS AN IMPORTANT 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.
WHY NOT GIVE UP HONG KONG?
WE ADMINISTER THE COLONY IN THE INTERESTS OF THE 4 ILLION INHABIT- ANTS WHO HAVE CHOSEN TO LIVE THERE. IT IS APPARENT THAT THE CHINESE COVERNMENT DO NOT WISH TO DISTURE THE PRESENT SITUATION,
FUTURE OF H.M.G'S COMMITMENT TO HONG KONG:
AS MY HON. FRIEND THE UNDER SECRETARY FOR FOREIGN AND COMMONWEALTH AFFAIRS SAID ON 6 NOVEMBER WE HAVE NO INTENTION OF ABANDONING
HONG KONG.
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:) ELECTIONS TO THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL: )
CHINESE REPRESENTATION:
REINFORCEMENT POST DEFENCE REVIEW:
THAT IS A MATTER FOR
MY RT. HOW. FRIEND THE FOREIGN AND COMMONWEALTH
SECRETARY
IT IS NOT CUR PRACTICE TO COMMENT ON CONTINGENCY PLANS, WHY MAINTAIN TROOPS IN SOME DEPENDENCIES BUT NOT OTHERS: WE ONLY STATION FORCES IN OUR REMAINING DEPENDENCIES WHEN THIS
IS CONSIDERED NECESSARY TO SUPPORT OUR COMMITMENTS.
CONFIDENTIAL
/WHY IS
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