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CINCFE.1511/6130/18
10.
UK EYES
ONLY
If Beira/Mon commitments are to be mot, likely reductions in Far East Fleet between now and 1st April 1968 appeared to be restricted to (possibly) one submarine.
An early start in the rundown in the dockyard would result in small savings but being a delicate subject should not be rushed.
f.
C. The removal of the carrier would ease the load on the dockyard but it was difficult to say to what extent. Any reduction of the load on the dockyard would case the rundown in the future.
The SECRETARY OF STATE stressed that reductions in overseas forces resulted in reductions in UK based forces as they meant that smaller hone- based forces wore required for roulement.
Army
11.
Approximate breakdown of FAR IF UK uniformed manpower strengths was:-
Opening Position 1st April 1967 (FLC figures)
2.
(1) Total strongth excluding Hong Kong.
22,500
(2) Gurkhas
10,330
TOTAL UK
13,170 (ic, includes 1,062
due home by June 1967)
b.
Approximate Broakdown STO/HON SEATO
SEATO NON SEATO TOTAL
(1) Base (Singapore/Malaysia).
1,440
1,770
3,210
(2) 3 Commando Brigade including irmy element.
2,200
2,200
(3) 28 Brigade (UK cloncnt) includ- 2,820 ing armoured car regiment, medium
2,820
battery.
(4) Light AD battery.
245
(5) Signals (rough split).
800
245'
270 1,070
(6)
Engineers.
625
225
850
(7) Seconded to T/SAF.
300
300
(8)
Borneo (including Survey).
100
100
(9) Aray Aviation/CT Flights.
35
40
75
(10) Gurkha UK elements not
15
185
200
included above.
(11) Intelligence.
60
20
80
/(12) HQs
J.-
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