TNAG-1197-FCO40-1499-Legal-immigration-into-Hong-Kong-1982 — Page 27

BACKGROUND

CONFIDENTIAL

The Hong Kong Garrison and the Defence Costs Agreement

1. British Garrison in Hong Kong consists of 5 infantry

battalions (of which 4 are Gurkha), 5 Navy patrol craft,

1 RAF, helicopter squadron, plus engineers, signallers and

support staff. It is commanded by a Major-General,

responsible to the Chiefs of Staff, MOD, but also one of the

Governor's principal advisers on security matters and member

of Hong Kong Executive Council.

2. The Garrison is the subject of a Defence Costs

Agreement (DCA) entered into by the Governments of Hong Kong

and UK. This was renewed in October 1980 to run for an

initial period of 7 years from 1 April 1981. The new

agreement increased the Garrison by one infantry battalion

and provided a more accurate method of costing. Costs are

apportioned 75% to Hong Kong Government and 25% to MOD.

3. DCA also provides for reinforcement of the Garrison

if necessary, and for a capital works programme.

The cost

of this is also split 75%/25%, as is the cost of 5 new

replacement Royal Navy Patrol Craft for the Hong Kong

Squadron, placed in June 1981 with Hall Russell UK, for

delivery between late 1983 and end 1984.

4. While the Garrison provides an important confidence

boosting symbol of HMG's commitment to the Territory its

primary role is to assist Hong Kong Government in

maintenance of law and order. Inhibition of illegal

immigration is an important current task (see below).

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