TNAG-0938-FCO40-1157-Visit-of-John-Nott--Secretary-of-State-for-Trade--to-Hong-Ko-1980 — Page 63

CONFIDENTIAL

BRIEF 7

BRIEF FOR VISIT TO HONG KONG BY MINISTER FOR TRADE

30 AUGUST

DEFENCE

5 SEPTEMBER 1980

THE HONG KONG GARRISON

THE PRESENT GARRISON

1

The main elements of the resident British garrison in Hong Kong consist of four infantry battalions (three of which are Gurkha), Gurkha engineers, five RN patrol craft, a squadron of RAF Wessex helicopters and a squadron of Army Scout helicopters. The garrison demonstrates HMG's commitment to the integrity and security of the territory. Hong Kong is also the Headquarters of the Brigade of Gurkhas.

REINFORCEMENTS

2

Since mid-1979 the garrison has been reinforced to help the Hong Kong Government cope with the influx of illegal immigrants from China. The level of reinforcement has varied since then, and at present consists of the fast patrol boat HMS SCIMITAR, two hovercraft, a PM small boat team, additional Army Scout helicopters and a Gurkha company from Brunei. A British infantry battalion is due to reinforce Hong Kong this Autumn to cover the change over

of a resident battalion.

FUTURE FORCE LEVEL

3

infantry.

A study, carried out in conjunction with the Hong Kong Government, has shown that there is a military case in the longer term for increasing the resident garrison by an additional battalion and associated support elements. Implementation of this recommendation depends on the achievement of satisfactory financial arrangements with the Hong Kong Government.