TNAG-0568-FCO40-701-Planning-paper-on-Hong-Kong-1976 — Page 103

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units in Hong Kong for mainly internal security purposes seems to me to be doubtful. I suppose, though the forces are mainly Ghurka, there is nevertheless a UK "back-up" element which limits our

If so, flexibility and weakens our commitment to NATO. this is a liability attributable to our responsibility

for Hong Kong.

(v) I note that you have made some comparisons with

Singapore. Would it be worthwhile trying to make these more specific and perhaps extend them? Perhaps, however, to do so would make the paper unduly long.

Anney

(vi)

3.

It seems to me that the risks and the consequences of financial collapse are still over-stated and that the paper still insufficiently indicates the total dependence of Hong Kong on HMG.

As I shall not be in the office to-morrow, I am sending these comments to you through Mr Cortazzi. If there is time, we might be able to discuss before the PUS returns.

4 March 1976

cc: PS/PUS

Erlan

E N Larmour

Discussed with M. O'Keefe to whom

Mr

I have

дийл

my

comments

orally

4/

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