TNAG-1941-FCO40-2767-Future-of-Hong-Kong-defence-and-public-order-1989 — Page 44

SECRET UK EYES A

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the event of another conflict. Thus our activities during 1989

have centred on maintaining close military links through high level visits VCDS visited in May whilst avoiding involvement

in bilateral or UN exercises. To this end, the Commonwealth

Liaison Mission has continued to play a significant part in the affairs of the UN Command and its Military Amnesty Commission.

24. In Thailand, leaders are conscious that peace rather than confrontation is the order of the day in the region. The withdrawal of Vietnamese troops from Cambodia and discussions with the military in Burma are examples of such progress. UK defence relations with Thailand remain good following a wealth of

contacts in 1988 and the third Hong Kong Garrison Company level

training exercise took place in October and November. The Thai

authorities remain very supportive although they have not pressed

for joint training opportunities yet. Relations have been

strengthened by the diplomatic support HMG has provided towards

the resolution of the Cambodian problem as well as by the

programme of UKMTAS and DPF sponsored UK training assistance.

Like other nations, Thailand has embarked on an armament

modernisation programme. Unlike our other allies, however, she

has sourced major equipments from China at "friendship" prices

with the Thai defence procurement budget over-committed for at least 2 years there is currently little scope for gaining

influence via military assistance in support of UK defence sales.

w

25. The converse applies in the case of Malaysia where the

implementation of the Defence Package is bound to tighten the

links at all levels between UK and Malaysian Armed Forces for

some years to come. This has implications for the FPDA and

should enhance our already greatly improved defence relations with Singapore which is reported to be more at ease politically and militarily with her northern neighbour.

26. We have maintained close levels of contact with Brunei

throughout 1989, and the UK has agreed to negotiate an extension

of the arrangement to base the Gurkha Battalion in Brunei (due to

expire in 1993) as soon as possible. Brunei is still,

apparently, considering membership of the FPDA; we have indicated that we would be content, but that they must approach the

SECRET UK EYES A

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