SECRET UK EYES A
DP Note 212/75(Final) (Continued)
Implications of a Garrison based on the Essential Elements
14 A garrison based on the essential elements discussed above and including 4 stationed infantry battalions, with appropriate support, would cost about £33.5M per annum. No part of this would be attributable to the battalion in Brunei, the full costs of which are met by the Sultan. This force level shows a saving of £6.5M on the garrison, including 5 Infantry battalions previously recommended by the Chiefs of Staff, and shows a reduction, in infantry battalions, of 1 on the current level. The reduction in the stationed infantry force is the most which we consider should be made in the present circumstances given the Working Party's analysis of the IS requirement and their conclusions regarding the threat and the likely warning, time, which latter have been generally endorsed by the Assessments Staff. It takes account of the implications for Hong Kong of the increased stability in the domestic policies of the Chinese Government and
the potential for local reinforcement from Brunei. The case for the additional elements which the Working Party considered desirable must be judged against these military, political and financial factors.
Desirable Flements
15.
The Working Party identified 3 RN patrol craft and an artillery battery as desirable additional elements of the garrison at a cost respectively of £.8M and £1.3M per annum.
16. When deployed in the IS role the battery provides 1 additional strong company (160 men) to the 19 companies already available in a stationed infantry force of 1 UK and 3 Gurkha battalions. At a cost of £1.3M per annum this could be regarded as an expensive increment if the overriding requirement is an extra infantry company. The Working Party therefore considered the provision of
Cow
17
SECRET UK EYES A