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ANNEX D
DEFENCE EXPENDITURE STUDY NO.7 FAR EAST
1. The aim of Defence Expenditure Study No. 7 has been to propose new force structures for the Far East (excluding Hong Kong) at about half the Far East Defence Review force levels, taking account of certain assumptions. These assumptions are set out at Annex A.
Force Structures
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Two alternative force structures have been considered.
3. In Case A, the emphasis is on a maritime presence. The amphibious
force included would allow us to contribute to the Commonwealth
Strategic Force a sapability which would not otherwise exist, and which would also provide the United Kingdom land force contribution to
SEATO. It would be self-contained while the land forces were operating within the range of support from the ships, but if they had to operate beyond this range (as would almost certainly be the case in SEATO operations) the force would require logistic reinforcement from the United Kingdom. Within the limits of their range, carrier-based aircraft would provide air defence, tactical reconnaissance and strike support for shipping, air support for ground forces, and the United Kingdom's contribution to the nuclear deterrent.
4. In Case B, the emphasis is on land and air forces. We should maintain our contribution to the Commonwealth Brigade though again this would require substantial logistic reinforcements in SEATO operations. Strike and reconnaissance support, and offensive air support for ground forces, would be provided by land based aircraft. the nuclear deterrent would come from the F111 Ks.
Our contribution to
5.
However, the need to secure the point of entry and to fulfil national commitments has led to the inclusion of air defence and air transport forces in Case A, as well as a land force of 13 major units in both coses. In Case B, a substantial naval presence is considered necessary for peace-keeping and to deter interference with our shipping. All three Services are thus represented in both cases.
6. No attempt has been made to decide which of Case A and Case B is to be preferred. The choice will affect our allics
(a) In Case A the United Kingdom contribution to the Commonwealth
Brigade would be withdrawn. This would leave the Australian
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