PROJUA US ASEG A
DP Hoto 201495(0) (Povijed Thef (Continued),
be necessary.
Accommodation in the United Kingdom is generally
not expected to be a limiting factor; there is however a
significant constraint in respect of the battalion which is to he withdraim from Singapore.
5e
Movement: Recouees. It is expected that by April 1976 the
size of the RAF transport forco will, have beon cut by more thym
bolf. As any requirement for chartered airlift will constitute on unwelcome additional charge on RAF funds it is important to take full advantage of all available capacity during the window
of the force. There is sufficiout RAT airlift to achieve all.
reductions and withdrawals in the year ending 1 Apr 76. However
it is mis-matched to the withdrawal plans proposed by the Commanders and in the initial movement planning we have been unable to make full use of the considerable capacity available
in the earlier part of the period. We have examined the
poscibilities of further advancing significant elements of
the forces involved. This included, in the case of Mauritius
bringing forward the entire vithdrawal by six months, and in Singapore withdrawing IS Mermaid and 1 Gordons carlier. Motoven
political, personnel and military considerations preclude any
significant movement in advance of the key dates at Annox B. Overseas Commanders proposed dates have been adjusted to caeble
the withdrawals and reductions to be completed as economically
as possible by 1 April 1976. Initial movement planning is based
on using Belfast and Hercules aircraft for trooping flights within Europe, and flying the VC 10 fleet at maximum peace time
rates during the later stages of the run down. There will be
G
3.
SECRET UK MO3 A