TNAG-0543-FCO40-638-Strength-of-garrison-in-Hong-Kong-1975 — Page 43

DECEIPT UN MES #FED A

showed that some reduction from this level of forces would be

militarily justifiable, and as a first step a number of withdrawals

were agreed and announced in March this year. The important elements

!

were the removal of the artillery regiment, less a battery, the

armoured reconnaissance squadron, and a reduction in the Naval

presence. The remaining garrison costs about £40m at Sept 74

prices, $480,000,000 HK dollars. In further discussions with the Governor and his security advisers The whole problem of the security

threat and the forces, both civil and military, required to meet it

was given the most rigorous study both in Hong Kong and in London.

was

Culd

The conclusion is that some further reduction can be made while still

кир

maintaining a garrison which is militarily adequate. These reductions

would involve the removal of an infantry battalion, the remaining

artillery battery, and one or other components of the Naval element.

Such a garrison, comprising 4 infantry battalions (one of them, for

military and political reasons, a UK battalion), engineers, a

frigate (should that be selected) and a helicopter squadron would

cost about £33million, 400,000,000 dollars at September 74 prices about £432m, 460,000,000 dollars, at Ceptember 75 prices. H are satisfied that this level of forces is sufficient in Hong

wilea Reyim with waldo valimials! cent Kong in present circumstances. The reductions/will help to speed Cuttently occupied avadetto fu len Hak-Godwit.

for the return of valuable land to Hong-Kong. |

8.

بعا

I can well understand that so substantial and rapid an increase

in your defence contribution cannot but be unwelcome to you. But I

would ask you to understand that against the political and economic

background I have described no other course would be acceptable

to ENG and to the British public. I should like to expand a little

on this latter point. The Pritish people are being asked to accept

a fall in living stendards. Hong Kong in regarded, not withstanding itu

prosent difficulties, as a prosperous and thriving colony. Couring.

5

GROPVALK EYES A

}