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VISITS OF COMMONWEALTH MINSTERDS TO
DISCUSS FAR EAST DEFENCE, JUNE 1967
HONG KONG: DEFENCE
The Australians have an understandable interest-in-
ara
our intentions with regard to Hong Kong. In brief No................,
it is proposed that we should tell them that, China's
attitude permitting, we propose to maintain our position in
Desenca
-Gelony. In the context of the discussions we shall be
The Australians
having with them/about reductions in our Far Eastern Forces,
they are bound to ask about the strength of the military
forces we intend to keep in Hong Kong.
Defence.
2.14 At the end of 1966 our military forces in Hong Kong consisted of 62/3rd major units, a flight of fighter
aircraft and three coastal minesweepers. In accordance
with Defence Review decisions taken that year, the
fighter aircraft were withdrawn in January of this year and
the three coastal minesweepers are scheduled to be withdrawn
in September. j
3x
+
Alternative arrangements to provide sea and air cover
from Singapore are being made.
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A decision was also taken in December last year to
reduce the garrison by one major unit in the course of the
financial year 1967-68. No decision was then taken regarding
/the exact
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