CONFIDENTIAL
Category AC: no unclassified reply or reference
CONFIDENTIAL
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From: CINC FE
26 JUL $68
6/2/5
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2/148
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2604152 July 4. Gamaraner.
Date: 26.7.68. C.D.
To:
MOD UK
Recd:
Info:
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1.
BDIS Canberra
BDLS Wellington
DA Kuala Lumpur
WARNING
PARAPHRASE NOT REQUIRED
NO UNCLASSIFIED REPLY OR REFERENCE
TLL/SEACOS 113
For CDS from CINC FE
R. 104.
Telegram has gone to Hang Kang. ANG
Subject release of information about rundown plans
5.8.68.
We discussed this at 5 Power talks and my recollection is that it was agreed that all five countries would consult together. We have not yet received official record but BHC Kuala Lumpur's private record does not mention this.
2. Principal problem is announcement that UK intends to withdraw its contribution to Commonwealth Brigade between 1 Apr 69 and 1 Apr 70. I should like to see this made public before SEATO MA 29C 18 Oct, We have already notified SEATO of changes to force declarations which result from this and we must soon release news of return of 3LI to UK when it will become publicly known that they are not going to be replaced. It might be appropriate to make release in connection with ANZAM COS Meeting 10/11 Oct.
3.
I discussed this with High Commissioners at our monthly meeting 25 Jul. All agreed it was appropriate to start things moving but Australian and NZ High Commissioners could not forecast reaction of their Governments. Australian Deputy HC Kuala Lumpur asked specifically that we should not announce withdrawal of 3LI without consulting Australia.
4. Connected with this is release of information about future Garrison of Hong Kong, CBF asked me 12 Jul for authority to release contents of COSSEA 73/042200Z Jun. I said he could not go further than statement by S of S at press conference 11 Jul. On his recent visit to Hong Kong VCGS is reported as saying that increase of Army Garrison is likely to be of order of one Battalion. I see no reason why this should not now be officially confirmed and suggest it could be combined either with statement on Commonwealth Brigade or if temporary reinforcement of Garrison by 2 Pare leads to questions. They are due arrive Hong Kong 4 Aug.
5. Consider we should now have clear plan to release specific items of information about withdrawal of units at six monthly intervals and that our proposed releases should be cleared with other Governments concerned beforehand, Effect of civil labour would be dealt with in cooperation with Trade Unions and local Governments through normal channels,
TLL Distribution
CONFIDENTIAL
LW/170
2604152