7.
- 2
It 15 understood
that
the Chinese military representatives stood ELIM on their position because the stationing of troops symbolised sovereignty. They argued that since the British side were at present occupying these camps,
it was only natural that such camps be "transferred" to the PLA. The British side had no right to ask the Chinese side not to station troops in urban camps.
8.
On the other hand, the British side pointed out that such urban camps were built decades ago. At that time, the shortage of land in Hong Kong was not so acute as today.
Resuming the Camps is In The Interest of Urban Development
9.
Rapid economic developments have pressing demand for land in Hong Kong. reclamation, another way of creating more resume military camps for other purposes. facilitate urban development.
10.
"Victoria Barracks
created a
Apart from land is to This will
in Queensway is a very good example. Apart from providing more land for commercial and residential purposes, the site will be re-developed to provide municipal and recreational facilities to enable the public to enjoy more outdoor activities," sources from the British side explained.
11.
Some members from the Chinese side have expressed sympathy over
arguments of the British But senior officials of the PLA are of the view
side.
The
that each military Camp j.s an integral part of the arrangements for the stationing of the PLA garrison in Hong Kong and that the Chinese side should request the British side to handle the issue strictly in accordance with the Joint Declaration.
12.
Since the Joint Declaration clearly provides that defence and foreign affairs fall outside the remit of the administration of the SAR Government, the Chinese Government has absolute right to request Britain to hand over all military camps; a request the British side cannot refuse.
13.
The British side are well aware that the Chinese side have the upper hand on this issue but, nevertheless, hope that the Chinese side would understand that such urban camps are merely used for the storage of supplies and vehicles and serve very
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