7.
8.
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to do with its tri-national (British, Hong Kong Chinese, Gurkha) character.
Discussion.
a.
The Chairman asked whether work was continuing on the new airport as planned, or if it had been delayed by PRC negotiating difficulties. Mr Bunten stated that no delays had yet been incurred, as the major work funded by the HKG was proceeding as planned. CBF commented that whilst all parties agreed that the airport project should go ahead the PRC would continue to utilise it as a lever against democratic progress in HK.
b. The Chairman asked for an estimate of Gurkha morale and employment opportunities for ex- Gurkhas following
following their British Army service. CBF stated that Gurkha morale was very high and standing up well to a 66% reduction in strength. This was due primarily to the leadership on Gurkha issues by the previous CBF and from HQBG through the Gurkha chain of command. He went on to state that future employment prospects for Gurkhas world-wide were encouraging, though the number of vacancies was uncertain. There might be some residual employment opportunities in Hong Kong.
C. The Chairman asked what effect confidence on the financial front might have on the forthcoming DCA negotiations: specifically how safe is the DCA? (CBF reminded the HKSC that the MOU was between HMG and the HKG (which required the HKG to fund 65% of the Garrison)). CBF added that there were 2 aspects to DCA negotiations: discussions with the HKG with whom the MOU was signed, and subsequent scrutiny by the LEGCO Finance Committee which was required to approve all HKG expenditure. Some political parties (eg UDHK) saw advantage in creating difficulties over HKG's share of defence costs.
ITEM 4 MOD PERSPECTIVE
Mr M Howard, Sec(0)(C), was invited to provide the MOD perspective.
9.
During his resume he made the following points:
MOD concurred with the lines already expressed by the FCO and CBF.
a.
to be
b. MOD main pre-occupation continued with the withdrawal and related issues. Allied to this was involvement with the review of helicopter support for HK.
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