TNAG-0542-FCO40-637-Strength-of-garrison-in-Hong-Kong-1975 — Page 109

D OF DP(C)

HEAD OF F1(AIR)

DS1 (MR. JONES)

AUS(GS) 395/75

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Reference..

Copies to: PSO/CDS

DUS (P)

ACDS (Pol)

DMO

DASD

AUS(D Staff)

AUS(NS)

28 XA

AUS(AS) AUS (P&B)

AUS(CF)

Mr.Hansford,

Treasury. Mr.Aggleton,

Head of DS6

PSA.

DDAQ SECCOS

Mr.O'Keefe, FCO.-

HONG KONG: DEFENCE REVIEW NEGOTIATIONS

I have been asked to advise on the composition of the team to support the Minister of state in the cost-sharing negotiations which are planned to take place in Hong Kong Between 28 October and 6 November.

2.

We shall clearly need a senior military representative who can deal with any questions which may be raised by Hong Kong on the future size of the garrison which has been agreed by the Chiefs of Staff and Ministers. I very much hope that D of DP(C) will be able to accompany the Minister, in which case I doubt whether separate military representation from the Service Departments will be necessary. We shall also need the best possible financial advice, both on the estimated costs of the future garrison and on the mechanics of the agreement. I think that for this purpose it would be helpful if both Head of F1 (Air) and Mr. Jones of DS1 could be in the party. I also propose to take Mr. Ward from my own staff.

3. We shall obviously need an FCO representative and I understand that Mr. O'Keefe will conveniently be in Hong Kong at the time. I am not sure whether the Treasury will wish to be represented; but I am sure that the Minister of state would be prepared to agree to this if they so wish. I should be grateful if Mr. Hansford would advise on this. I would not have thought it necessary to have separate representation on the works side, but am very ready to discuss this if DDAQ or Mr. Aggleton take a different view.

4.

Accordingly I suggest that the party might consist of:-

The Minister of State and his Private Office staff. AUS(GS)

D of DP (C)

Head of F1(Air)

DS1 (Mr. Jones)

DS6 (Mr. Ward)

Mr. O'Keefe (FCO) -

? Treasury representative.

This

The intention is that the party (less Mr. O'Keefe) should leave London on 26 October in a scheuuled RAF VC10 with VIP fit. imposes some constraint on numbers, but if additional represent- atives are required we must arrange to accommodate them.

5. I believe that the Minister of State will wish to take stock of the position on the Hong Kong negotiations at the end of this month and I should like to be ready with firm advice by

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