SECRET UK EYES ONLY
ANNEX A TO
b.
DOP 535770 (Final)
Concluded)
The early withdrawal of 40 Cdo Gp would cause considerable turbulence for the unit and its families in UK and would leave no unit in the Far East to cover the Gulf withdrawal in December 1971. The alternative option of retaining the unit in Singapore until mid-1972 is not recommended.
C.
The compromise solution of sending a UK battalion to Singapore during the first 2 weeks of September 1971 and delaying the withdrawal or 40 Cdo Gp until November 1971 would not meet all CINCE's requirements. However, on
balance it is considered to be the best available plan in the circumstances.
d.
In the compromise plan 40 Cdo Gp would embark in an
If LPH in November 1971 to cover the Gulf withdrawal. not required for this task it would move direct to UK.
e. There would be a saving of about SMO.5 budgetary and £1.35 in overseas expenditure in implementing the compromise plan as opposed to the original Far East rundown plan.
1'. CINCF wouli be required to make alternative command arrangements in Singapore after the departure of H 3 Cdo Bde Gp.
A - 5
SECRET UK EYES ONLY