1 April 1981. It lasts initially for 7 years and will be
renewable for further periods of 5 years on the same terms
unless either Government wishes to vary them. Under the
Agreement, Hong Kong contributes 75% of the costs of the
Garrison including a number of indirect expenses.
4.
The Garrison is responsible for Hong Kong's external
defence, but the territory is not defensible against a
determined full-scale attack from China. The primary role
of the Garrison is therefore internal security in support of
the civil power.
British Forces have not had to be employed
in this role for many years but they would be essential to
deal successfully with any major threat to internal security
or breakdown in law and order, given possible problems over
the reliability of the Royal Hong Kong Police Force in such
The Hong Kong population almost certainly
circumstances.
accept the significance of the Garrison in this context; it
is thus important to sustaining their confidence. In recent
years the main operational activity of the Garrison has
been the prevention of illegal immigration from China.
5.
The Garrison consists mainly of Units from the Brigade
of Gurkhas; four of the six Gurkha battalions now serve in
Hong Kong. The Gurkha battalion in Brunei is available for
reinforcement, and about half of the Hong Kong Garrison's
training takes place in the State. For geographical reasons,
the Garrison has provided most of the British element in
exercises under the auspices of the Five-Power Defence
Arrangements; and a small detachment is sent as an Honour
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