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UK EYES A SECRET
UK EYES A
13. Equipment
a. The withdrawal and disposal of assets arising from the rundown of forces in Hong Kong is inextricably linked with the withdrawal of equipment from Singapore. Outline plans for the disposal of equipment now held in Singapore have been drawn up by the Army Department; in particular it has been agreed that almost all
vehicles and certain other ordnance stores now held
there will be transferred to Hong Kong. The receipt
of these assets, together with those arising from the
rundown in the Colony, will lead to an increase in
equipment holdings over and above immediate requirements. In consequence it may be necessary for some. vehicles to be stored in the open.
b.
No decision has yet been given by the Army Department on the disposal of the equipment held by the
Armoured Squadron or of the Artillery pieces which will become surplus to requirements; neither has a decision
yet been taken on the disposal of redundant Maritime
craft. It is important that the equipments should be
disposed of before the units currently responsible for
their maintenance withdraw or disband.
C.
It is desirable that the transfer of equipment from Singapore should be phased over as long a period as possible, and an early decision on the timing of 4 or 5 LSL voyages which are likely to be necessary is highly
desirable.
d. A quantity of ammunition no longer required in the
theatre will be returned to the UK.
ROYAL AIR FORCE
14.
Planning Factors. It is assumed that the basic force level after 1 April 1976 will consist of 28 Sqn (8 Wessex) and 444 Signals Unit (Satellite terminal) together with the minimum support for this force. However there are a number of
yet unresolved policy matters which will affect detailed plans for the rundown. The most significant of these are:
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SECRET UK EYES A