TNAG-0541-FCO40-636-Strength-of-garrison-in-Hong-Kong-1975 — Page 122

D/DS6/46/66/1

MAA LILU

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4 copies please

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DEFENCE REVIEW, HONG KONG

1.

*

Ministers agreed, following a report by officials (Defence Secretary's letter of 11 Feb 75 to OPD colleagues) on discussions

with the Governor and his advisers, that in the light of the gap

identified between the desired level of Hong Kong contribution,

and the lower figure thought possible by the Governor, a study

should be made of the implications of a further reduction in the

cost of the garrison as a possible basis of a compromise agreement

with Hong Kong. They also agreed that while a Hong Kong contribution

of three-quarters remained a firm objective, negotiators could agree

ad referendum to a Hong Kong contribution rising from one half in

the first year of a five or seven year Agreement to three quarters

at the end, or to any variation which would produce a result

no less favourable (eg. a level of two thirds throughout the period).

The study of a reduction in the garrison has now been completed,

and there have been further discussions with the Governor on

the financial aspects.

2. The Garrison

wave cosc-

The garrison which was the basis of the earlier discussions with Hong Kong eeets about £39m and includes 5 infantry battalions (4 of them Gurkha Battalions), one squadron of engineers (with its

Training Wing) an artillery battery, a helicopter squadron, a

frigate and three patrol

was conducted by a joint

craft. The study of a further reduction CUK/Hong Kong)

British Forces/Hong Kong Ccyt, working

party, whose report has been considered by the Chiefs of Staff.

The report suggests that, on the basis of the enrout internal security threat, the garisan should causes of a

-All of 1995/76

Estimate prices.

have 4 battalions,

231

some combat engineer capability, ten a helicoptes