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ANNEX A to DP 9/68(C)
(Draft)(Continued)
in the Spring of 1968 were to become known.
The Committee
further agreed that this decision should be placed in abeyance
for the time being, although it should remain their objective
in the long term. We suggest that as a result of the present
studies the Defence und Oversea Policy Committee may wish to
reconsider their previous findings.
13. Present Reinforcement Capability.
In the assessment of our
force levels we have taken into consideration the fact that the
Commander-in-Chief can guarantee to reinforce the garrison with
one battalion/commando by air within 72 hours, with no prior
warning and with no air route complications This can be
reduced in anticipation of trouble on such occasions as May Day
and the "Double Tenth" to 60 hours. In addition, the garrison
can be reinforced by sea in four to five days, including warning
time, depending on the type of ship used.
Furthermore, whilst
the stockpile of tanks remains in Hong Kong, personnel could be
flown out from the United Kingdom to man them, should the need
arise.
14. Pre-stocked Unit Tquipment.
There is at present in Hong
Kong pre-stocked unit equipment (PUF) for one reinforcing battalion,
and PUE for a further battalion is about to be set up there;
PUF for a reduced brigade headquarters and a third battalion is
held in Singapore and will be moved to Hong Kong by sea when
required.
Royal Air Force
15. The Royal Air Force presence in Hong Kong consists of a force
of six Whirlwind helicopters to give mobility to ground forces.
The staging post at KAI TAK has been strengthened, since May 1967,
by up to two RAP Regiment Flights detached from the Singapore-
based squadron. Administrative support is provided by KAI TAK
for these units, together with the signal and radar station at
TAI MO SHAN. A fighter presence is provided periodically with
training detachment of Hunter aircraft from Singapore.
A:
6
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