TNAG-2672-FCO40-3869-Hong-Kong-defence-issues-1993 — Page 123

CODE 18-77

Mr Morris

Reference

CONFIDENTIAL COVERING SECRET

нка

HKA_CERL

3 MAR 1993

ESK

fior

дро

Fate DPO

8

CABINET COMMITTEE DOCUMENT DEC(46)6

1.

I am afraid that I do not share your of Mr Morris's views. The document refers to the improbability of an attack from and military incompetence of the mainland forces, but it is

of course the Nationalist forces that it refers to. The paper refers to the impossibility of defending Hong Kong from a power in control of the mainland, but that is common sense. It has also been pretty well common knowledge particulary so since the decision was made to remove air defences and heavy weapons from Hong Kong in the (?) sixties.

2. I suppose it might be argued that release of this information now could persuade LegCo members not to vote for increased funding for the Garrison on the grounds that if it was decided Hong Kong was indefensible in 1946, it must be so now. Again I doubt whether this is news to anyone. Also, if anything, the document shows that the MOD were concerned with value for money in 1946 and therefore it might be taken as evidence that it is the same today. In any case I am not sure wether that is an acceptable reason for withholding the release of such information.

RAJ But

RAJ Bunten

Hong Kong Dept

WH 305 270-2655

4 March 1993

cc M Mari's FGD.

CONFIDENTIAL COVERING SECRET