TNAG-1475-FCO40-2006-Visits-by-MPs-from-the-UK-to-Hong-Kong-1986 — Page 55

of power.

But one important consideration is the rate at which the

Royal Hong Kong Police develops the capacity to look after Hong

Kong's internal security.

5. The Hong Kong Government, as you may know, plumped for expansion

of the police force as the best way of safeguarding the future

security of the Colony. We support this decision, and we are glad

that the PRC support it too. It is also the Hong Kong Government's

intention that the police should be wholly responsible for internal

security well before 1997, so that they can demonstrate their ability

to stand on their own feet and increase the likelihood of a smooth

transfer of power. We support this plan too. But this leaves

unresolved the question of exactly when the police should take over

a large proportion of the tasks currently performed by the garrison,

and what should be the size and role of the garrison thereafter.

You will find, when you get to Hong Kong, that the Government favour

a comparatively early date for the institution of full police primacy.

We think it is too early to be dogmatic

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and even when the police

do take over responsibility for the main tasks, we believe that

there could still be an important support role for the garrison.

But I must emphasise that no decisions have been taken and the way

ahead has still to be determined.

6.

Similarly, we cannot be too definite at this stage about the

future financial arrangements for the Hong Kong Garrison or about the

future of the Brigade of Gurkhas although Mr Pollard and Mr Legge

will be happy to try and answer any questions you may have.

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