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if it were to resurge we should get several months' warning of this. So far as internal security was concerned, however, the situation had developed in an adverse direction since 1967 because of the development of new housing estates with the result that potential trouble-makers were now spread over a wider area.
4. Minister of State asked whether the distribution between Gurkha
and non-Gurkha battalions in the force level was significant. The Governor said in reply that there were many occasions when he would prefer to see Gurkha troops used. For example, incidents on the Frontier where they were less likely to provoke or excite crowds. On the other hand, the presence of British troops was crucial to confidence within the Colony since it was seen as direct evidence of Britain's continuing commitment.
In sum, he felt that we should continue to have a mix of Gurkha and non-Gurkha troops. He pointed out that the cost of the Garrison depended to a considerable extent on the elements in the mix since Gurkha troops were much cheaper than British ones. He assumed, however, that the future of the Brigade of Gurkhas was being considered in the Defence Review. Minister of State confirmed that this was so.
5. Minister of State asked how important it was to maintain a capability to reinforce Hong Kong in an emergency. The Governor said that it was crucially important to maintain a Garrison of adequate size on the spot so that the troops would have the necessary detailed knowledge of the local geography to deal with an internal security situation.
6.
Minister of State asked whether the Artillery Regiment could be regarded as more expendable than other elements in the British presence. The Governor emphasized that he wished to discuss these matters further with his professional advisers (and he mentioned that CBF Hong Kong was visiting the UK for discussions
however in early July). He said/that he did not anticipate artillery pieces being used in an IS situation. In answer to a question
from the Minister of State the Governor explained that a principal role of the RN frigate was to ensure that Chinese gunboats
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/were
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