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with a reinforcement capability against those of a garrison closer
to the present size but without such a capability, taking into
account cost, military viability and the wish of Ministers that
fores the garrison should be paid for by the Hong Kong Government.
6. We would welcome your early advice, in consultation as
necessary with CBF Hong Kong, on these alternative garrison
concepts and on the importance of a reinforcement capability.
Informal military advice has been that without an assured
capability for rapid reinforcement the existing force level of
63 major teeth arm units is of the order required; but that if a
reinforcement capability were retained this could be reduced to
54 (together, in each case, with appropriate support).
At each
level there would also be 5 RN patrol craft and 8 RAF helicopters,
again with support. We would welcome your comments on these
force levels; and also your views on any other areas in which
you consider economies could be made.
grateful for your advice on the likely attitude of the Hong Kong
Government to meeting the costs of the garrison; if you judge
that they would not be prepared to meet the whole cost of the
Finally we should be
levels of forces indicated above, we should welcome your assessment
Rever
forces
on the size of garrison' for which they would be prepared to pay.
or aftermathiely
which Hoy
7. The Hong Kong study is required to be submitted to the
Steering Committee of senior officials by the beginning of
>
September;
appreciated.
and your comments by Friday 23 August would be greatly
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