Background
CONFIDENTIAL
1.
The garrison
in Hong Kong consists of 5 infantry battalions (four Gurkha and one British), Gurkha support units,
five naval patrol craft and two squadrons of helicopters (one
RAF and one army). There is provision for ad hoc short term
reinforcement. A new Defence Costs Agreement was signed in
October 1980 and came into effect in April 1981. It will run
for seven years initially, and will be renewable for further
periods of five years on the s ame terms unless varied. Hong
Kong's contribution to costs under the Agreement
The Garrison is commanded by Major General Boam, (CBF), who is
a member of EXCO. Naval Forces аге commanded by Captain in
Charge, Hong Kong.
2.
Decision to
remain at 75%.
reduce garrison from 5 to 4 battalions in
1987 and disband 2/7 Gurkha Rifles announced on 27 September.
Tak en essentially to avoid
(Kohima), which по longer
little obvious
anxiety.
new barracks
costs of building a
justified.
Public interest but
Chinese, who had expressed s ome
concern earlier about any reduction, have said nothing to us
since the announcement.
3.
We and the MOD are beginning a study of the long term future of the garrison and the rate at which it should be wound down between now and 30 June 1997. We are awaiting a Hong Kong Government paper on an internal defence force/strengthened police force that could take on some of the garrison's functions and continue after 1997. Study will be put to OD(K)
in 1986.
4.
Defence is a subject of considerable sensitivity for the Chinese. They announced during the negotiations that they will base Peoples Liberation Army (PLA) troops in Hong Kong after 1 July 1997. They were not prepared to agree to our
our proposal of an internal defence force during negotiations on the agreement,
CONFIDENTIAL
No comments yet.
Private notes are available after approval.