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DP Note 27/67(A)
(Flimsy Draft) (Concluded)
SUMMARY
17. In summary, whereas the Commander-in-Chief's proposals do
not materially affect the Royal Navy and Royal Air Force, whilst
Naval and Air Forces are based in the theatre, they do have some
significant effects upon the Army. Any consideration of those
effects does, of course, tend to be coloured by the present
situation existing in Hong Kong, and by the time any recommendations
have to be implemented, the situation may be radically different,
either for the better or for the worse. Nevertheless, the proposals
do require carly consideration.
18. The immediate problem is whether units due for posting to
Hong Kong should be accompanied or not. A decision to send them unaccompanied will affect the 1968/69 arms plot, but of greater
concern are the implications on the planned long term Army force
levels. Furthermore, the problem has a bearing on the plans for
the disbandment of the Gurkhas, in that a possible course of action
is to retain a small Gurkha force in Hong Kong on a permanent
basis.
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