CONFIDENTIAL
MR LUCE'S VISIT TO HONG KONG: 24 TO 29 SEPTEMBER 1983
BRIEF NO 7: DEFENCE AND INTERNAL SECURITY
POINTS TO MAKE (DEFENSIVE)
Garrison
1. As HMG have recently confirmed, no plans to reduce size of
garrison. Hope to also keep Brunei training facilities and Gurkha
battalion there.
Naval deployments
2. (With press and public) Confirm deployment to Far East and r Pacific is taking place from September to March.
Hong Kong deployment
3.
Details of the second half of the group deployment have yet to
be worked out planning not yet complete and therefore too soon to
comment on visits which might be undertaken after New Year.
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4. (With officials only) Recognise Chinese sensitivities over
British military presence in Hong Kong and naval deployments
affecting the territory. Still considering proposed deployment next
Spring.
Visit by Chief of Defence Staff
5. Confirm that CDS will be visiting Hong Kong from 29 September to
5 October in his capacity as Colonel of his regiment, the Second
Gurkha Rifles.
6. (If raised) Understand CDS' visit was postponed by one day for
operational reasons.
CONFIDENTIAL
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