TNAG-0538-FCO40-633-Strength-of-garrison-in-Hong-Kong-1975 — Page 200

SECRET UREYIS A

SECRET UK LYFS A

RECLIV.. REGISTRY NO:

10FEB1979

LOOSE MINUTE

DS 6

NKKIOLI

Copy to:

Col GS M402

R&R Jov

Jin

BD

7/2

I spoke to Mr Ward (Mod 356).

(2)

Explasand the logistic difficulties of PL representation during the Seychelles Confie, & hold to live in ง. GO.

Broadly greed

iа рать

2 Colors.

28 to suggested redon fling

PA

ZD

10/2

Captain J. Abrahams, DN Plans

Col GS ASD2

Group Captain P.V. Mayall, DD Air Plans 2

DS 1 (Mr Jones)

FCO (HKIOD, Mr Dinwiddy) ✔

HONG KONG

Reference:

1.

D/DS6 46/66/1 dated ↳ Feb 75.

I have two comments on your minute. The first concerns the participation of the FCO in the working party. I did not think at our meeting that the FCO representative categorically stated that the FCO interest could be covered by the addition of an FCO member at the final stage of deliberations but that this was their fall-back position should they find it impossible to provide a representative for the whole time. I am sure that it will be to the benefit of the study if we can persuade the FCO to be fully represented on the working party and believe this should remain our preferred solution.

2. On our proposed terms of reference I would like to avoid the use of the word "preferred" in the third line as it could imply that the working party is pre-committed by its terms of reference to recommend that a £35M garrison is a practical possibility when they have examined all the political and security implications. If there is any such implication in the terms of reference I believe that it could prejudice their work and status. therefore suggest the terms of reference be amended as follows:

3rd Line;

INSERT "alternative" between "possible" and "composition" and SUBSTITUTE a full stop for the semi-colon after "garrison" at the beginning of the 4th line.

SUBSTITUTE the following for the remainder:

PIS

L

"If any practical solution within this financia 1 target is recommended its implications and any co-ordinated action required, eg by Hong Kong Police, should be clearly stated. Your report is to be submitted to His Excellency the Governor and to CBF Hong Kong not later than

7." /I would

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