SECRET
1.
ANNEX to DP 31/70(Final)
REINFORCEMENT OF HONG KONG
We last examined (1) the force level requirements of the Hong Kong garrison in 1968 and concluded that there was a requirement for 7 major units, to be reinforced in a serious emergency by three major units from the United Kingdom. the Commander-in-Chief Far East retained the capability to reinforce Hong Kong within 72 hours from within the theatro, a permanent garrison of 63 major units was acceptable.
Whilst
Post 1971,
in the context of the policies of the last Administration, because reinforcement of Hong Kong with a major unit within 72 hours would havo boen uncertain, we further concluded that the permanent garrison would have had to have been increased by the extra major unit to make up the total of 7.
2. In view of HMG's intention to retain one battalion in Singapore and one battalion in Brunei, we initiated a study (2) to assess whether those battalions could provide the extra major unit within 72 hours that was needed by Hong Kong post 1971.. In the process of tho study, Commander British Forces Hong Kong, in consultation with the Governor, assessed (3) that in the light of changed conditions, provided that:
Notes:
1.
a.
The situation on the border remains reasonably
stablo.
b. The internal throat in Hong Kong does not
significantly increase.
The strength of the Hong Kong police continues to expand above its presont level.
COS 23/68
2. COS 1508/13/8/70
3.0
Hong Kong Signal RTT 071 from CBF to CDS of 2902552 Aug
29
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This wording
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