TNAG-0541-FCO40-636-Strength-of-garrison-in-Hong-Kong-1975 — Page 92

CONFIDENTIAL,

Reference..

AUS(GS)

Copies to:

ACDS(Pol) ACDS(Ops)

DMO

DASD

AUS(P & B)

AUS(CF)

AUS(D Staff)

AUS(NS)

FCO: HKIOD - Mr Dinwiddy

FCO: Defence Dept Mr Jackson Treasury: Mr Fitchu

HONG KONG:

FINANCIAL NEGOTIATIONS

AUS(AS)/04/1/31

Enter

202A

Ref:

AUS(GS)/263/75 of 27 Jun 75.

I have no comments to make on the draft paper attached to your loose minute at reference; we are in agreement with its recommendations.

1.

12.

I should however draw your attention to the fact that the Air Force Department is engaged in a separate argument with the Hong Kong Government over the continued operation of the surveil- lance radar at No 117 Signals Unit, Tai Mo Shan. There is no longer a UK military requirement for this radar and the Americans have just confirmed, after considerable delay, that there is no American military requirement for the services which it provides. The Hong Kong Government, however, wishes the radar to continue in operation to provide essential long range cover for the civil operation of Kai Tak airfield. The Hong Kong Government wishes the MOD to continue to operate this radar until April next year by which time the Hong Kong Government hopes to have made arrange- ments for a civil firm to take it over. We intend to continue to take the line that while, reluctantly, the RAF might be prepared to provide the necessary personnel to operate the radar until next April, the cost of doing this must fall upon the Hong Kong Govern- ment.

3. I mention this point only to ensure that it is not allowed to become part of the negotiations about the financing of the future garrison.

2 Jul 75

CONFIDENTIAL

106 Tames

TCG JAMES AUS(AS)

J.