SECRET UK EYES ONLY
ANNEX A TO
DOF 535/70 (Draft)
Continued)
In it would be at 8 days notice. If a covering force is not
required in Dec 71 for the Gulf withdrawal, 40 Cdo Gp could be
lifted direct to UK after relief, In this case special
arrangements would be necessary to cover the gap between their
arrival in the UK and the availability of accommodation.
11. To meet the requirement for sufficient protection forces in
Singapore in the event of 40 Cảo Gp being required to move to the
Gulf after 1 Oct 71, it would be necessary to delay the move of
1/2 GR to Hong Kong until the incoming UK infantry battalion
group had arrived in Singapore in late Oct 71. This delay would
not affect minimum force levels in Hong Kong.
12. CINCFE would be required to make alternative arrangements for
the command of 40 Cão Gp and 1/2 GR in Singapore after the
withdrawal of HQ 3 Cao Bde Gp.
Political Aspects
13. We agree with CINCFE's view that if the proposed move of units
is to start in April 1971, the necessary preparations must not be
delayed beyond Jan 71 at the latest, and hence the Singapore and
Malaysian Governments must be informed by this date. The question of
timing so as not to prejudice the UK negotiations on the new Five
Power defence arrangements is of vital importance, and is being
examined separately (7).
14. We recommend that in presenting the proposals to the Singapore
and Malaysian Governments, emphasis should be laid on the fact that
the existing rundown plan is being modified, as opposed to
accelerated, to meet the changed requirements of the continued UK
presence in SE Asia post 1971.
Note:
7. cos 1608/8/10/70
A-5
SECRET
UK EYES ONLY