SECHDA
with a reinforcement capability against those of a garrison clopor to the present size but without such e capability, baling Ambo account 'cost, military viability and the wish of Ministers that the garrison should be paid for by the Hong Kong Government.
3. We would welcome your early advice, in consultation an necessary with CBF Hong Kong, on these alternative garrison
concepts and on the importance of a reinforcement capability. Informal military advico has been that without an apsored capability for rapid reinforcement the existing force Level of 63 major beeth' om units is of the order required; burb that Af o reinforcement capability were retained this could be reduced to 54 (together, in each case, with appropriato support).
AG enok
Level there would also be 5 RX patrol craft and 8 RAP helicopters,
again with support. We would welcome your comments on those force levels; and also your views on any other areas in which you consider economies could be made.
Finally we should be
grateful for your advice on the likely attitude of the Hong Kong Government to meeting the costs of the garrison; 12 you judgo that they would not be prepared to meet the whole cost of the Levels of forces indicated, above, we should welcome your assen on the size of garrison for which they would be propemod to pay.
7. Who Hong Kong study is required to be submitted to the Steering Committee of senior offLotals by the beginning of
September; and your comments by Friday 23 August would be gwantay appreciated.
3
SEORDE