TNAG-1035-FCO40-1285-Visit-by-John-Nott--Secretary-of-State-for-Defence--to-Hong--1981 — Page 21

CONFIDENTIAL

Background

The British Garrison

1.

The British Garrison in Hong Kong serves to demonstrate HMG's

commitment to the security and integrity of the territory. The

main elements at present are 4 infantry battalions (3 Gurkha),

Gurkha engineers, signals and transport, 5 RN Patrol Craft, a

squadron of RAF Wessex helicopters and a squadron of Army Scout

helicopters. The size of the garrison is planned to increase by

an additional battalion and supporting elements by early 1982

(see Defence Cost Agreement

below).

2. Reinforcements. Since mid 1979 the Garrison has been

reinforced to help cope with the influx of illegal immigrants from

China. Following the ending of the touch-base' concession in

October 1980 (whereby illegal immigrants who successfully evaded

the security forces on entry could obtain identity documents and

remain in Hong Kong) there has been a sharp drop in the numbers

arrested attempting to enter the colony. It is too early to say

whether this reduction will be maintained.

3.

Replacement Patrol Craft. The 5 patrol craft operated by

the RN are over 20 years old and are due to be replaced by 5 new

vessels in the mid-1980's. The vessels are being procured by the

MOD and an order was placed on the British firm, Hall Russell,

in

June. The HKG have been consulted throughout and will be meeting

75% of an estimated cost of £50M.

CONFIDENTIAL