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possibly also those in Hong Kong. But we believe, with the
Governor, that these risks can be managed and are outweighed by
the need to avoid a damaging dispute between the Governor and
LEGCO over defence costs at a time when the Hong Kong government
faces major political challenges; and the additional flexibility
to meet other military commitments that would result from
redeploying forces from Hong Kong. We therefore invite
colleagues to:
a.
Agree that the land element of the Hong Kong garrison
should be reduced by September 1994 to a core of a single
effective infantry battalion, with the necessary support
services, in accordance with the broad timetable set out in
paragraph 7.
b. Note that this will lead to savings in the support area
which will need to be quantified in detail, though the net
cost to HMG will almost certainly be substantial.
C.
Agree that further work should be carried out on:
(1)
The re-inforcement plans for the garrison.
(2) Handling with the Chinese and public handling in
Hong Kong and in the UK.
PA/S/2.033
9
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MR
DH
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