TNAG-1259-FCO40-1599-The-Future-of-Hong-Kong---special-study-by-FCO--August-1982--1983 — Page 25

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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

/Guard

2

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