TNAG-2394-FCO40-3481-Commander-British-Forces(CBF)--Hong-Kong-position-on-the-Exe-1992 — Page 4

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SECRETARY OF STATE

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FOREIGN SECRETARY

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HONG KONG: COMMANDER BRITISH FORCES ON THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL

5

Thank you for your minute of 10th September returning to the

question of the continued presence of CBF Hong Kong on EXCO.

2. As you know from the previous correspondence between Michael

Quinlan and David Gillmore, we were sceptical about the reasoning

behind the previous Governor's wish to remove CBF from EXCO. We

were also concerned that it might lead to a decline in the quality

of advice that the Governor would receive on security matters, and might be seen as a diminution in British commitment to the

Territory.

3.

While one might still debate the case for removing CBF, I am encouraged by the Governor's plans for an enhanced role for his Security Committee and his intention of keeping CBF generally in the picture. It is important, too, that CBF's departure from EXCO would be part of a wider restructuring rather than an isolated

event. So I do not wish to oppose the Governor's proposal that CBF

should cease regular attendance at EXCO meetings after the former's

address to the Legislative Council on 7th October. Our officiais can deal separately with the question of amending the Royal

Instructions to formalise the position.

Ministry of Defence

17th September 1992

MR

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