}
SECRET
DRAFT
SECRETARY OF STATE FOR DEFENCE
VISIT TO THE FAR EAST
JULY/AUGUST 1970
HONG KONG
15/2
Brief No 30
General
1. It is more than two years since the end of the Communist
campaign of violence against the Hong Kong authorities. Minor
incidents along the border with China have continued to occur
though these are less frequent than a few months ago.
2.
A list of Hong Kong's fighting units is at Annex A.
3. The Colony became an independent command on 1 April 1970.
The Royal Navy
4.
At the end of 1971, on present plans, a second frigate is due to join the other Royal Naval Vessels already on station.
A small tanker and an increase in base facilities will also be
needed.
The Army
n
5.
i ace and anal with
is
Force Levels. The force level of 6 2/3rd units has to be
maintained under the terms of our agreement with the Hong Kong Government. Hong Kong units may not be used for any operational
commitment outside the Colony. In 1971 the force level will
be increased to 7 2/3rd units to take account of the increased
time it will take to reinforce the Colony when forces are no longer available in Malaysia/Singapore for this purpose. 6. Reinforcement. There are at present plans for reinforcing the garrison from Malaysia/Singapore and UK with up to four
battalions and a brigade headquarters. After August 1971 when the force level in Hong Kong increases to 7 2/3rd units,
reinforcement by a brigade headquarters and three battalions
would be from UK.
7. Training. Because Hong Kong is so small and the training
areas so restricted it is considered most important that units train outside the Colony regularly. At present units from Hong Kong train at the Jungle Warfare School in Malaysia and it is planned that the numbers visiting the CJWC will be increased.
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SECRET