TNAG-1373-FCO40-1819-Ministerial-visits-from-the-UK-to-Hong-Kong-1985 — Page 94

[ME 3ADK]

CONFIDENTIAL

MR RENTON'S VISIT TO HONG KONG (27-31 OCTOBER 1985)

Points to make in public

DEFENSIVE

14. GARRISON

for defence

1.

and

HMG will continue to be responsible for

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

it back to its pre-1980 level. Extra Gurkha batallion was

raised in 1980 to combat illegal immigration. Now the problem

આમ

has diminished the extra batallion is no longer required.

Considerable financial savings.

3.

No long term implications for the future of the garrison

a whole. This is a subject on which no decisions have been

taken. Will need careful study. Important not to rush into

precipitate decisions.

as

4.

(Internal Defence force.) HKG and HMG are studying all

the available options.

5.

? Feoples

Liberation Army (Chinese Army)

(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

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