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3ir Morrice James
Further Defence Review
Mr. Morgan has asked me to let you have information about defence requirements for the territories within my schedule of work. He will provide the information for his territories.
Hong Kont
The requirements for Hong Kong are set out in D.P. Note 27/67 of 19 October, 1967, prepared by the Defence Planning Staff of the Chiefs of Staff Committee. Briefly, in December, 1966, the D.O.P.C. decided that the permanent garrison in Hong Kong should be reduced from 63 major units to 59 major units. Subsequently in September this year they reconsidered this proposal and agreed that plans to reduce the garrison should be suspended and the permanent garrison should therefore remain at 63 major units. Because of the disturbances in Hong Kong the garrison has in fact been reinforced by a further battalion from Singapore and the total strength is now 7 major units. The Governor of Hong Kong considers that this extra battalion could well be needed throughout 1968 and the Commander-in- Chief, Far East, is prepared to find this extra battalion.
Hour Kon
Royal Air Force
A number of helicopters are at present stationed in Hong Kong, but fighter aircraft have been withdrawn to Singapore, although the Commander-in-Chief, Far East, lays on frequent fighter aircraft visits to Hong Kong. The Ministry of Defence had, however, been asked to examine the desirability of stationing fighter aircraft in Hong Kong in the medium and long term as our base in Singapore is run down.
Hong Kong. Royal Navy
Two M.C.M.V8. (minesweepers?) rotate from Singapore. But here again the proposal is that three M.C.M.Vs. should be permanently based on Hong Kong when the Singapore base is run down.
Our present view is that it would be extremely dangerous to reduce the garrison in Hong Kong while the confrontation with China remains with us.
Swaziland
The British battalion was withdrawn from Swaziland in November last year. If a serious internal situation developed in Swaziland, ad hoc arrangements would have to be made to provide military assistance, probably from the U.K.
Caribbean and West Indies British Honduras
The only forces stationed in the area are a headquarters and a strong company in British Honduras. This is required because of the dispute
between
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