TNAG-0538-FCO40-633-Strength-of-garrison-in-Hong-Kong-1975 — Page 18

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EYES A

ANNEX TO MO 3/1/5

OF 1:48 RES 1975

DISTINCE NATTEN: HONG KONG

Ifomovendor, by MCD Officials

1. At their meeting on 9 September (OPD)(74) 14th Meeting, Item 3), Ministers decided that our forces in Hong Kong should be reduced and that a reinforcement capability should not be maintained, though officials have since recognised that reinforcement of Hong Kong would still be possible from within our critical level forces, albeit in slower time and without guarantee of an assured air route. At the same meeting Ministers also agreed that Hong Kong should be asked to contribute not less than three quarters of the cost of the smaller garrison. At their further mecting on 18 September (OPD(74) 15th Meeting) they directed that officials should prepare briefs on that basis but should also examine the possibility that Hong Kong's share of the cost would not exceed one half. Officials have accordingly held meetings in Hong Kong and London with the Governor and his official advisers.

Timing of an Agreement

2. it will be difficult for the Hong Kong Goverment, 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

The cost is

3. The present garrison consists of 6 teeth-arm units/battalions

together with an RN squadron of a Frigate and 5 Patrol Craft, and

an RAF element which includes 8 Wessex Helicopters.

about £50M a year at Estimates 1975/76 prices (this equals the figure

of £42M at 1974 Survey prices quoted in OPD(74)31). Military

advice is that in the present internal and external circumstances

SECRET

A

1

SECNET

UK EYES A

UK EYES A