ANNEX C
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DRAFT LETTER FROM SECRETARY OF STATE TO GOVERNOR OF HONG KONG
THE FUTURE OF THE GARRISON
1. When we met in Hong Kong in January, we agreed it would be useful to set down the broad policy and operational framework underlying our detailed plans for the run-down and withdrawal of the military garrison, which are being reviewed this year. This issue was also discussed when Sir Chistopher France visited last
month.
2. I therefore enclose a short paper, been agreed by the Chiefs of Staff and endorsed by me, which addresses the role of the garrison; how that relates to its minimum viable size; the manner and timing of the final withdrawal; finance and the Defence Costs Agreement; and public handling. What I seek from you is your endorsement of this broad framework as the basis for the detailed review of the withdrawal plan which is in its early stages at the moment (and which will of course be discussed with the Hong Kong government). In particular it would be helpful if you could confirm your agreement that the next battalion withdrawal should take place in the second half of 1994.
3. I recognise that this has to be seen against the political problems you face over maintaining LEGCO support for meeting defence costs: this is reflected in the dispute between us over payment of the 1992/3 fourth quarter bill and the prospect of a significant shortfall in your DCA estimates for 1993/4. I also recognise that resolving these difficulties will require further
discussion and
and an exchange of ideas on the extent to which garrison costs can be reduced to meet the likely availability of
For example there is a Hong Kong government funds.
case for
looking at making further economies in the support for the garrison and nothing in the attached paper need prevent detailed examination of that. But I believe it is important that this further work is carried out against an agreed policy and
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