TNAG-1745-FCO40-2464-Visits-by-FCO-officials-to-Hong-Kong--including-visit-by-Lor-1988 — Page 78

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Hong Kong should not have to pay anything

It has long been generally accepted that Hong Kong

should contribute to cost of its security.

Arrangements to share costs go back over many years.

Garrison is guarantee of Hong Kong's security.

Also heavily involved in operations to prevent

illegal immigration - and this will continue for

several years yet as police are gradually expanded.

Thereafter total costs of garrison will decrease

sharply as major units are withdrawn in final years

before 1997.

Payments should be on sliding scale/

Hong Kong SAR will pay nothing after 1 July 1997

There is already a significant decrease in the

-

proportion paid by Hong Kong 10% is substantial by

Further savings will come from a

any standard.

range of other measures. And overall costs will

decline as the planned withdrawal takes affect in

final years before 1997.

Garrison withdrawal

No firm timetable yet established for withdrawal

plan. No withdrawals of major units over next few

years.

There will be routine adjustments to force

levels as and when circumstances dictate.

Hence

withdrawal of the two patrol craft which are no

longer necessary.