TNAG-1632-FCO40-2248-Ministerial-visits-from-the-UK-to-Hong-Kong--including-visit-1987 — Page 88

HUMABO

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VISIT TO HONG KONG BY LORD GLENARTHUR, 16-19 SEPTEMBER

BRIEF NO 16: PRESS CONFERENCE

(v) Defence

(Future of British Garrison?)

1.

No

Garrison must clearly withdraw on or by 30 June 1997. Considering how process of withdrawal should be carried out. final decisions yet on timing or speed of withdrawal. Shall need to keep process of rundown under continuous and close review.

(Future of RN Patrol Craft/other garrison units?)

2.

No final decisions taken. (See answer I).

(Expansion of Police?)

3.

HMG and Hong Kong examining whether and if so how police might assume some of garrison's functions, in accordance with Joint Declaration provision that maintenance of public order will be

SARG's responsibility after 1997.

(Discussions with Chinese?

4.

"Rift"?)

[No rift] Useful discussions with Chinese on implementation

of Joint Declaration provisions relating to defence and maintenance

of public order. These discussions, which have taken place at JLGS VI and VII and between experts, will continue.

(Future of Gurkhas?)

5.

Ministers have stated there will be a future for the Gurkhas

within the British Army after 1997. Still too early to say what

this will be.

(Chinese Garrison in Hong Kong after 1997?)

6.

Matter for Chinese Government. Under terms of Joint

Declaration, may station military forces in Hong Kong after 1997.

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