TNAG-0537-FCO40-632-Strength-of-garrison-in-Hong-Kong-1975 — Page 160

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UK EYES A

UK EYES A

of detailed costing and other explanatory material to Hong Kong. But they

did little to indicate options which could lead to a compromise between the

three factors set out in paragraph 7: no significant savings were found in

the estimated cost of the "reduced" garrison (5 teeth arm units), though the

implications of further cutting the size and cost of the garrison were dis-

cussed in general and illustrative terms; the Hong Kong representatives put

forward no strong arguments, related to the costings, which in themselves,

might prompt Ministers to consider any significant increase in the proposed

UK contribution; and the Hong Kong representatives had no discretion to dis-

cuss the question of Hong Kong's contribution. In other discussions,

however, with the Governor, the Financial Secretary and CBF, a number of points

relevant to these issues were made:

(a) It was emphasised that the proposal of HMG to reduce both the UK

forces in Hong Kong and the UK's proportionate contribution to their

cost was clearly being seen by 'unofficial' and public opinion as a

withdrawal by the UK, at least in part, from the responsibilities for

maintaining the security of the colony which she has accepted in the

past.

?

(b) This apparent withdrawal could reduce deterrence of internal dis-

turbance and, also, weaken business confidence and so the economy.

(c) The attitude adopted by HMG was resented the more by the

'unofficials' and the public because HMG was simultaneously being seen

in other areas to impose policies which were contrary to the wishes of

Hong Kong eg the death penalty.

(d) The higher the proportion of the cost of the garrison which HMG

required Hong Kong to pay, the greater the degree of the UK's apparent

withdrawal from responsibility (a demand for a 100% Hong Kong

8

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UK EYES A