TNAG-1379-FCO40-1827-Future-of-Hong-Kong-legislation-Hong-Kong-Bill-1985 — Page 203

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Stationing of PLA in Hong Kong after 1997?

12. Clear the PRC will be responsible for

be responsible for SAR's defence. Whether

troops be stationed there will be a matter for the Central People's

Government.

Agreement makes clear that public order will be

responsibility of the SAR Government and that

that troops

troops stationed in SAR for the purpose of defence will not interfere in its internal

affairs.

Future of the Gurkhas

13. The government has no plans to run down or disband the Brigade

of Gurkhas.

Future of the Garrison

14. Do not anticipate any material changes for the time being, but

we do, of course, keep the size of all our deployments under continuous review. HMG will remain responsible for the defence and

internal security of Hong Kong until 1997 and we will retain an

appropriate garrison for this purpose.

Strength of the Garrison/Kohima barracks project

15. Decisions need to be taken on the

to be taken on the future of the Kohima Barracks

Project and on the size of the garrison in Hong Kong. I understand that the Executive Council in Hong Kong will

recommendations

to HMG and we

with Hong Kong.

I cannot

look forward to

anticipate the

discussions.

shortly be

be making having discussions

out come of these

Bill of rights

16. Agreement provides explicitly for maintenance by the SAR of rights and freedoms previously in force in Hong Kong and for them to be protected by law. Also stipulates that provisions of relevant International Covenants as applied to Hong Kong will remain in force. All this to be enshrined in Basic Law and remain unchanged for 50 years.

Annual Debate

17. Government has agreed in another place to an annual report on

Hong Kong. This report will be laid before Parliament. Whether the

report is debated will have to be pursued through the usual channels

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