TNAG-0617-FCO40-765-Strength-and-cost-of-UK-armed-forces-stationed-in-Hong-Kong-1977 — Page 91

9.

REINFORCEMENT OF HONG KONG AFTER WITHDRAWAL FROM BRUNEI

10.

KOREA

11.

12.

PROPOSALS THAT HMG SHOULD DISCUSS DEFENCE POLICY WITH CHINA, PARTICULARLY THE SOVIET THREAT

UK/CHINESE DEFENCE

RELATIONS/MILITARY

EXCHANGES

The implications of withdrawal

from Brunei for the reinforce-

ment of Hong Kong will continue

to be taken into account.

A small number of British

Servicemen are in Korea as the

British element of the UN Honour

Guard. There are no plans at ·

present to withdraw them.

Defence policy and the strategic

balance worldwide are frequently

discussed in the normal course

of diplomatic exchanges with

the Chinese.

I would be prepared to consider

on their merits any proposals

for military exchanges or visits

which would be considered

mutually beneficial and would

promote friendship and under-

standing between the armed

forces of the UK and the

Chinese People's Republic.

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