TNAG-0617-FCO40-765-Strength-and-cost-of-UK-armed-forces-stationed-in-Hong-Kong-1977 — Page 88

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NOTES FOR SUPPLEMENTARIES

PQ 6836 B

HONG KONG

1. ROLE OF HONG

KONG GARRISON

2.

B

ABILITY OF THE

GARRISON TO WITHSTAND DETERMINED ATTACK

DISCUSSIONS WITH CHINA ON FUTURE OF HONG KONG

As Hong Kong is a British

dependency, HMG is responsible

for its external defence and

internal security. The

garrison serves to demonstrate

HMG's commitment to the

integrity and security of Hong

Kong.

We do not envisage a determined,

external attack. The strength

of the garrison and our

contingency planning for its

support are appropriate to the

foreseeable threats.

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.

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