November 1993
SECRET
The Rt Hon Kenneth Clarke QC MP Chancellor of the Exchequer
Treasury Chambers Parliament Street London SW1 3AG
HONG KONG: THE FUTURE OF THE BRITISH GARRISON
I wrote to you on 19 November to say that I proposed to seek the Governor's views on your new proposal for the Hong Kong Garrison. I enclose his response.
In my view, the Governor adduces decisive arguments against pursuing your proposal. I share his view that it would be damaging to our authority in Hong Kong, and a propaganda gift to the Chinese, if it became apparent that we were trying to extract extra funds from Hong Kong to pay for a more expensive garrison than was needed.
Malcolm Rifkind could, if he wished, pursue your proposal through the established channel with the Hong Kong Government. But unless some way could be found to avoid burdening Hong Kong with the extra costs, the Governor's message makes plain what the response would be. I would be strongly opposed to pushing the Governor on this to the point where a constitutional crisis with LegCo became a possibility. will have enough problems administering Hong Kong over the next three and a half years without that.
We
I am copying this letter to other members of OPD (K) and to Sir Robin Butler.
DOUGLAS HURD
lt.garris.MORRIS
JEB
SECRET
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