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THIS DOCUMENT IS THE PROPERTY OF HER BRITANNIC MAJESTY'S GOVERNMENT
PMV(HK)(74)11
COPY NO
34
14 December 1973
PRIME MINISTER'S VISIT TO HONG KONG
12th-14th JANUARY 1974
DEFENCE
Brief by Foreign and Commonwealth Office
The Garrison
1. The garrison assists the Hong Kong Government and the police
to control the frontier and to maintain security throughout the
Colony.
2. The teeth arm force level has remained at 64 major units
since 1968:
UK Infantry Battalions
Gurkha Infantry Battalions
UK Light Artillery Regiment
UK Armoured Reconnaissance
2
3
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1
Squadron
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Gurkha Independent Field
Squadron
3. The total strength, including supporting units and locally
entered personnel, was 10,898 as at 31 October 1973. Of this
figure, 4,097 are UK personnel and 5,645 are Gurkhas.
4. Prior to 1970, an infantry battalion in Singapore had been
earmarked in contingency plans as an immediate reserve for
Hong Kong. In view of the more stable situation in the Colony and
the improved capability of the police, it was decided in 1970 that
/the
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