[ME 3ADK]
CONFIDENTIAL
MR RENTON'S VISIT TO HONG KONG (27-31 OCTOBER 1985)
Points to make in public
DEFENSIVE
1.
14. GARRISON
HMG will continue to be responsible for
defence and
internal security of Hong Kong up to 1997, and will maintain
the appropriate forces needed for this purpose.
2.
Reduction of garrison by one battalion in 1987 will take
Extra Gurkha batallion was
it back to its pre-1980 level.
raised in
in 1980 to combat illegal immigration. Now the problem
has diminished the extra batallion is no longer required.
Considerable financial savings.
3.
No long term implications for the future of the garrison
as a whole. This is a subject on which no decisions have been
taken. Will need careful study. Important not to rush into
precipitate decisions.
4.
(Internal Defence force.) HKG and HMG are studying all
the available options.
5.
(Basing of PLA in Hong Kong.) Section XII of Annex I to
the Joint Declaration states that maintenance of public order
in the Hong Kong SAR will be the responsibility of the SAR Government. PRC responsible for defence after 1997, and have
right to station troops in SAR. Whether troops are in fact
stationed there a matter for the Central People's Government.
Points to make to HKG officials
DEFENSIVE
6.
Public reaction to decision to reduce garrison by one
CONFIDENTIAL
No comments yet.
Private notes are available after approval.