TNAG-0546-FCO40-641-Strength-of-garrison-in-Hong-Kong-1975 — Page 224

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Pa. Difener Loks

HONGKONG GARRISON DILEMMA FOR CABINET

HONGKONG'S STATUS AS A BRITISH COLONY OFF MAINLAND

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CHINA COULD BE IN DANGER IF THE GARRISON'S FORCES ARE DRASTICALLY REDUCED, THE GOVERNMENT HAS BEEN HARNED BY ADVISERS.

CHINA IS THOUGHT TO BE CONTENT WITH THE STATUS QUO AT

PRESENT BECAUSE IT ENJOYS USEFUL FOREIGN EXCHANGE BENEFITS VIA HONGKONG, WRITES THE PRESS ASSOCIATION DIPLOMATIC CORRESPONDENT.

BUT IN CHINA AN ARMY HAS A PARTICULAR SIGNIFICANCE. IT IS SEEN TO REFLECT THE IMPORTANCE A COUNTRY ATTACHS TO A TERRITORY. THEREFORE IF THE 3,000 STRONG HONGKONG GARRISON IS RUN

DOWN CHINA IS LIABLE TO ASSUME THAT BRITAIN DOES

NOT CARE MUCH FOR THE COLONY.

TALKS ARE TAKING PLACE AT THE DEFENCE MINISTRY TODAY ON THE SHARING OF COSTS BETWEEN BRITAIN AND THE HONGKONG GOVERNMENT.

1037

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Mr Jayrrin Hong Kong Dept

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