TNAG-0536-FCO40-631-Strength-of-garrison-in-Hong-Kong-1975 — Page 65

SECRET

UK

EYES

ES A

The Governor's views.

16. At a final meeting with the representatives of the UK and

Hong Kong teams, and attended by the Colonial Secretary and

, while making clear that he was not negotiating,

CBF,

the Governor/gave his assessment or the options left open

as a result of the discussions in formal session.

17. his soundings of UMELCO had brought the reaction that

the present garrison is too large and too well provided for

ich

orm

made

and that an increase in contribution would be/acceptable only

if it could-be demonstrated that the garrison had been cut to

the absolute minimum required for the effective performance of

its role. The minimum size is in his own view represented

thought by the currently planned "reduced" garrison; but he expressed UMELCO might be inclined to press for a still smaller garnison of, says, his view-that, if sucira garrison could not be paid-for, a

coulu-not-be

From his point of view garrison including, zay, 43 Army teeth/units. would be north such a

gorrison would be

but could just be worth havings heving, though very much as a second best option, /to undertake

internal security duties and to deal with border incidents not

supported by China. He said that the composition of such a

garrison could not be determined without the advice of CBF and

the Commissioner of Police (absent from Hong Kong until 3

February). The implications of an all-Gurkha teeth arm force

would require epsecially careful study. As regards the nsval

component, the Governor's preference, if a choice has to be made,

remains for the frigate rather than the patrol craft, who perform

a quasi-police task.

18.

The Governor expressed it as his expectation, subject to

detailed costing which should cover alternative mixes) that a 47

orm

"43 Army teeth/units" garrison/would be found to cost around

£35M. If the UK contribution remained at £10M, i.e. the

equivalent of 25% of the estimated cost of the "reduced"

arm

garrison of 53 Army teeth/units, the gap to be bridged would

,

SECRET

-11- EYES A