TNAG-0617-FCO40-765-Strength-and-cost-of-UK-armed-forces-stationed-in-Hong-Kong-1977 — Page 64

CONFIDENTIAL

increasing difficulty of maintaining and supporting these obsolecent craft, there is

little practical possibility of any further extension of their life.

4. Although provision for the replacement of the present patrol craft was not included

in the DCA, the likelihood of such a requirement was recognised at the time of the

negotiations. After a subsequent exchange of letters between the Secretary for

Security of the Hong Kong Government and MOD it was agreed that "if expenditure on the

new patrol craft should be required during the period of the (Defence Costs) agreement

we would expect costs to be shared on the same basis as those of the remainder of the

garrison. The cost of the patrol craft will depend on the requirement and the scale,

nature and timing of the replacement, which cannot yet be decided; but in view of the

need for decisions to be taken well before the first craft is due for replacement

(because of the lead time for ordering) we consider that the question should be the

subject of a joint study which we suggest should be set up about 1978" (1)

THE NEED FOR A ROYAL NAVY PRESENCE IN HONG KONG

5. To justify any replacement for the existing patrol craft it is necessary to consider

the need for a Royal Navy presence in Hong Kong. Looked at in political terms, it is

difficult to envisage other than a continuing role for all three services, and the

preservation of a balance between the three Services to maintain the colony's confidence

in HMG's willingness and ability to sustain the Hong Kong Government. The text of the

Agreed Joint Statement issued when the Heads of Agreement were initialled by the then

Minister of State and the Governor of Hong Kong on 1 November 1975 sets out the view

of both Governments as follows:

"The negotiations were based on the clear acceptance by both sides of the

need for a garrison capable of maintaining the security and integrity of

Hong Kong and demonstrating HMGS continuing responsibility for the colony.

Such a garrison is also regarded by both governments as an important inctor

in maintaining confience. As a result of these negotiations agreement has been

reached on the size and total cost of the garrison". (2)

(1) AUS(GS) 91/76 fated 23 February 1976

(2) Annex B to S of S's M05/14 of 3 November 1975 to the Prime Minister.

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