TNAG-0617-FCO40-765-Strength-and-cost-of-UK-armed-forces-stationed-in-Hong-Kong-1977 — Page 104

I

SUPPLEMENTARY ANSWERS

HONG KONG

1. ROLE OF HONG

KONG GARRISON

2.

3.

4.

to tos uitispicy

and focurity

of 14

It - k

ABILITY OF THE GARRISON TO WITHSTAND DETERMINED ATTACK

DISCUSSIONS WITH CHINA ON FUTURE OF HONG KONG

THE

DISCUSSIONS WITH CHINA ON SIZE AND ROLE OF THE HONG KONG GARRISON

British

dependency

As Hong Kong is a Grown-Colony,

HMG is responsible for its external

defence and internal security.

[role of the garrison

to

The

demonstrate HMG's commitment and

in particular to assist in

maintaining internal security and

the integrity of the border.

We recognise that the Garrison

could not withstand a very large

scale attack, but this appears

unlikely.

Discussion with the Government of

the Chinese People's Republic on

the status of Hong Kong and its

future would be a matter for my Rt.

Hon. Friend, the Foreign and

Commonwealth Secretary.

to determal)

The size and role of the Hong Kong

garrison, ie the responsibility of

HMG, in consultation with the Hong

Kong Government, taking account of

all the relevant factors, including

'our assessment of the threat to the

security of Hong Kong.

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