SECRET
Copy to: Mr. Markillig
Mr. Mac lume
Sir A. Galsworking
Mr. Carter
MINISTER OF DEFENCE FOR ADMINISTRATION/
WHITEHALL LONDON S W I
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4September 1967
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We are to discuss Hong Kong at tomorrow's OPD meeting (at which I shall be representing the Secretary of State). I should like to take the opportunity to raise the question of the reduction of one major unit in the garrison in 1967-68, which the OPD decided last December, and about which Denis
(18) wrote to Bert on 18th April.
It has become clear to us all that it is out of the question to withdraw a major unit from the garrison, or even to plan to do so, at the present time. On the contrary, we have had to reinforce the garrison from Singapore.
George Thomas drew attention to the position in his minute to the Prime Minister of 23rd August and, in the longer term, the position about the garrison in Hong Kong will form part of the Study which is being undertaken by the Ministerial Committee on Hong Kong. I do not think that we have any alternative other than to leave matters as they are until the result of the Study is available.
I should like in the meantime to arrange for instructions to be issued that planning to reduce the garrison by the equivalent of one major unit should cease. I am sure you will agree that we should not run any risk of a leakage and in present circumstances it would be wise to ensure that all the necessary steps are taken to avoid this risk, however small it may be.
I hope we can obtain our colleagues' approval to this. A copy of this letter goes to Sir Burke Trend.
1
RECEIVED IN ARCHIVES No. 63
-7 SEP$957
The Rt. Hon. George Thomson, MP.
SECRET
G.W/ Reynolds