TNAG-0536-FCO40-631-Strength-of-garrison-in-Hong-Kong-1975 — Page 38

6195 D073528 400M 2/74 Cr.P.C. 839/3

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SECURITY CLASSIFICATION

Top Secret.

Secret.

Confidential.

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Unclassified.

PRIVACY MARKING

SECRET

DRAFT PAPER FOR DOFC

Type 1 +

To:-

FROM

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Department

In Confidence

7

DEFENCE REVIEW: HONG KONG

1. At their meeting on 18 September

(OPD (74) 15th meeting) Ministers directed that

officials should prepare briefs on the basis that the Hong Kong Government would contribute not less than three-quarters of the cost of a reduced garrison, but should also examine the possibility that the Hong Kong contribution would not exceed half the cost. Officials have accordingly held meetings with the Governor and his official advisers' in Hong Kong and London.

Timing of an Agreement

2. It will be difficult for the Hong Kong Government, which is now heavily involved in the 1975/76 budget, to complete negotiations on a new Defence Agreement until about May. The Agreement would enter into force in April 1976 when the present one expires.

Force Levels and Costs

3.

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The present garrison consists of 63 units/battalions. The cost is about £50 m. a year (Estimates 1975/76 prices). Military advice is that

in the present internal and external circumstances of Hong Kong the force could be reduced to about 5 units, without a rapid reinforcement capability. The revised cost would be about 240 m. a year (Estimates 1975/76 prices). Details are at Annex.

The Governor of Hong Kong agrees in principle with this level of forces, and the discussions have

/revealed

ONCRET

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