SECRET
ANNEX A to DP 31/70(C) (Draft) (Continued)
THE FUTURE SIZE OF THE HONG KONG GARRISON
15. In the light of the foregoing discussion there appear to be two options for the future size of the Hong Kong garrison. Either its strength should be raised to 7 major units, in which case the practical difficulties and possible political objections over double earmarking the battalions in Singapore and Brunei for its immediate reinforcement could be avoided, or, if the problems associated with double earmarking the Singapore and Brunei battalions are accepted, the garrison could be kept at its current strength of 63 major units.
16. Five Gurkha battalions would be required for the first
option of which four would be in Hong Kong and one in Brunei. Under the second option three Gurkha battalions would be in
Hong Kong and one in Brunei.
There would be no requirement for
the fifth battalion in SE Asia and Hong Kong and it could then be available to be stationed in the UK where it could assist the British Army in meeting some of its commitments (3).
Our Views
17.
Although it would be feasible to double earmark the battalions in Singapore and Brunei for the rapid reinforcement of Hong Kong and thus reduce the permanent size of the Hong Kong garrison to 6 major units, we consider that this is
Note:
3. COS 21st meeting 15/7/70
A
- 9
SECRET
Page 105Page 106