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the idea of accompanied tours: the reasons for this change of
attitude were mainly that the outlook for Hong Kong since
Communist confrontation there ended in December 1967, had
improved sufficiently to warrant taking a slight risk over
the security, in the event of an emergency, of the additional
number of Service families involved, in return for the very
considerable advantages (particularly in relation to morale)
possessed by, accompanied tours.
ん
14. Accordingly, the Ministry of Defence are now examining
Commander-in-Chich, has hast recommendations put forward by CINCFE, with the support of
the Governor and of the Commander British Forces, Hong Kong,
that the existing British units in Hong Kong should continue
to be accompanied. This exercise is being carried out quite
independently of any decision that may be reached on the future
of the Gurkhas although it is recognised that such a decision
could substantially affect the number of British troops stationed
in Hong Kong.
15. No clear picture is at present available as regards the
comparative costs of accompanied and unaccompanied tours and
at present a study of this aspect is being undertaken by the
Ministry of Defence at the request of the Treasury. Itisan
aspect which could be of considerable importance to Hong Kong.)
Defence Contribution
[Take mislip]
16. The Colony has paid an annual cash contribution to
Imperial" defence since 1863. In 1958 this was fixed at £11
million per annum. In 1964 the Hong Kong Government agreed
to contribute, in addition, up to £6 million over the next
six years towards the Army and RAF works programme in the
Colony.
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