SECRET UK EYES A
DIEU ET
Wox Bre
3. I think that it would be useful if the paper contained more detail on how we should handle the Chinese dimension of the new proposals. We are committed to keeping the Chinese informed through the Joint Liaison Group of our plans before they become public. The Chinese will be opposed to an earlier withdrawal of elements of the Garrison, partly because of the value in their minds of its IS role, but also because they do not wish the Chinese Garrison to be seen to be much larger than that of the UK. The Chinese might also make difficulties about a large RN task force showing up in the last weeks before the handover. Hong Kong?
4.
How late would you envisage it going to
It is also worth making clear even at this early stage that there can be no possibility of the FCO contributing to the cost of the Task Force. I do not think that you should assume a contribution from HKG either (unless this is
specifically provided for in the DCA?)
众
ever,
Peter
PF Ricketts
HONG KONG DEPARTMENT
SECRET UK EYES A
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