TNAG-1259-FCO40-1599-The-Future-of-Hong-Kong---special-study-by-FCO--August-1982--1983 — Page 24

HONG KONG STUDY

ANNEX J

SECRET

DEFENCE AND INTERNAL SECURITY

Present Situation

1.

HMG have responsibility for the defence and internal

security of Hong Kong. The Governor, while nominally

Commander-in-Chief, is advised by the Commander British Forces

(CBF) who is responsible to the Chief of Defence Staff, but

who also sits on the Hong Kong Executive Council. The CBF

exercises full operational command over all British Forces

in the area in event of an emergency.

2.

The Garrison totals over 8,000 men (20% UK, 60% Gurkha

and 20% Hong Kong Chinese). At present there are 5 Infantry

Battalions (4 Gurkha, 1 British), a Gurkha Engineer Regiment,

5 Naval patrol craft, two squadrons of helicopters and

appropriate support from all three Services. In addition,

the Royal Hong Kong Regiment (The Volunteers) and the Royal

Hong Kong Auxiliary Air Force come under CBF's command when

called out. There is provision for short-term reinforcement

from both UK and Brunei.

3.

The current Defence Costs Agreement between the Ministry

of Defence and the Hong Kong Government came into effect on

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