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Military
17. In the unlikely event of an outright Chinese military
invasion we could not defend Hong Kong and evacuation from
the Colony would be likely to be a very difficult, if not impracticable operation. However, the role of the forces is to assist the Hong Kong Government in maintaining internal
security, deterring by their presence any precipitate action
by the Chinese and identifying aggression in the event of an armed Chinese attack. To do this we maintain in Hong Kong a garrison of the order of six to seven major units. A garrison
of this size is acceptable whilst there is a reinforcement capability within the Far East Theatre. No Royal Air Force aircraft, other than support helicopters, are stationed in
the Colony but aircraft make periodic visits to establish a measure of control over local air space. One frigate and two coastal minesweepers are maintained in the Colony on a rotational basis from Singapore.
18. At a time when we are reducing our other commitments and forces East of Suez, it is important to maintain confidence in the Colony in our intention to maintain our position there. Certainly we must not give the Chinese the impression that we
were preparing to leave. Because of the decision to with- draw our forces from Singapore/Malaysia at some stage it will become impossible to continue to provide support and backing for Hong Kong from the theatre. An internal security
situation could arise and get rapidly out of control, and as
our garrison will then be at the end of a long line of communications its effective and timely reinforcement would be
dependent on adequate warning, availability of an air route, overflying permission and the absence of any other concurrent
major operation. We cannot be certain that all these conditions will emerge in our favour and it will therefore
be necessary for us to make a modest increase in the
permanent strength of the forces to meet our responsibilities. Ministers have therefore agreed that after 1971 the forces should consist of the following:-
/Army
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