CONFIDENT I AL
2ND DRAFT
will be reduced by the equivalent of one major unit by
1 April 1977, and will comprise five infantry battalions
(including four Gurkha battalions), an artillery battery,
and appropriate support units. The Government is
discussing with the Hong Kong Government the future size
of the forces and the arrangements for financing them.
Negotiations will shortly begin/have begun 7 with the
Government of Brunei about the withdrawal of the Gurkha
infantry battalion stationed there.
b. The Persian Gulf. The small British Military
Assistance Team will be withdrawn from Sharjah by
1 July 1975.
C. The Mediterranean. In Cyprus, the Army at present
contributes an infantry battalion, an armoured reconnais-
sance regiment less one squadron, and logistic support to
the United Nations force. The garrison in the Sovereign
Base Areas is two infantry battalions and an armoured
reconnaissance squadron, together with appropriate logistic
support units. An infantry battalion forms part of the
Gibraltar garrison.
d.
The Caribbean. The small garrison at Belize (formerly
British Honduras) provides a force for the external defence
of the territory and, when required, assistance to the civil
authorities in the maintenance of law and order. The
garrison comprises a small headquarters, an infantry
battalion less one company, and ancillary personnel and
equipment.
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CONFIDENTIAL