TNAG-0542-FCO40-637-Strength-of-garrison-in-Hong-Kong-1975 — Page 160

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ONERINGSLAPE

DIETZELJÄNNANDE SKANĒ D

craft.

15 Septente,

bhips next montif). Whether such an option would be financially

attractive would depend on whether provision had to be made in the

currency of the successer agreement for the cost of replacement craft.

(c) Your para 5:-

Your suggestion was most welcome to the MOD who immediately authorised

BFHK to inform the unit of the position on an "in confidence" basis,

consulting your officials on presentational aspects. We now understand

that your officials have advised against any public announcement on

this point in advance of a general announcement on force levels and

cost sharing.

(d) Your para 6:-

We are assured that there is no general embargo, either by the Treasury

or by PSA and MOD, on works projects. But until there is final

agreement on force levels and cost sharing there must be uncertainty

about the future level of financial provision and in these circumstances

the MOD quartering staffs and PSA are submitting only those proposals

which are clearly essential in any situation. This serves everyone's

There has already been discussion on this point between

MOD and BFHK, and any particular area of difficulty should be capable

of resolution in those channels.

interests.

SECRET