SECRET UK EYES A
DP Note 212/75(Final) (Continued)
additional Gurkha infantry companies for an equivalent sun but decided not to make a recommendation along these lines. The artillery battery would also provide some heavy weapons support for the infantry force, and would help to preserve the military image of the garrison in the eyes of the public, the press,
and the Chinese.
17. The Army department consider the battery as an important element in any properly trained military force, which the Brigade of Gurkhas must remain. The Army department also consider that the artillery battery is potentially a very important element of the garrison in the crucial period before the first reinforcement battalion can reach the colony. However, against these benefits must be set the cost, the assessment of the threat and likely warning time (para 12), and CBFHK's views on the infantry requirement in relation to reinforcement capability (para 13).
18.
The patrol craft would complement the deterrent capability of the frigate. In addition to providing a naval presence when the frigate is not available they also give greater and more flexible patrol capability. In the FCO's view a particular part of their value lies in their presence in the harbour and in local waters being very evident to a large part of the population.
19. While we recognise the military advantages of both these elements, we endorse the Working Party's assessment that they are desirable rather than essential, and consider that neither the battery nor the patrol craft can be justified when there are heavy financial constraints on the UK Defence Budget. Should the Hong Kong Government press for either element to be included, then our position would be that they could be provided if the Hong Kong Government bore the full cost.
SECRET UK EYES A