44
125.
In the course of 1978 and '79 it became clear that the
Garrison was over-stretched and that the reduction in 1976 had gone too
far. It has therefore been agreed that we should have an extra
battalion and that it should, at least initially, be a Gurkha unit.
It will be in position by next January, bringing the infantry strength
of the Garrison to five battalions. Various additional specialist
troops are also being added to the Garrison and an expansion of the
Hong Kong Military Service Corps, composed mainly of local recruits,
is about to take place.
126.
The effective life of the five patrol craft of the Royal
Navy is ending.
operating by 1984.
127.
Their replacements have been ordered and should be.
Over the last three years the Garrison has made a tremendous
contribution to holding the line against the waves of illegal immigrants.
Although the number of immigrants has been much reduced, the Garrison
must continue to maintain a considerable presence on the border, the
non-urban coast line, and at sea.
128.
This has
Its task on the border has been assisted by a new fence,
floodlit at night, and overseen by observation platforms.
been completed over the 22 kilometres from Sha Tau Kok to the Mai Po
Marshes.
129.
In the technical sphere a modernised and comprehensive
system of communications is being planned by specialist officers of
the Royal Navy and the Police and should give us by 1983 a completely
new, reliable and efficient radio network. Linked with this are
improvements in the coverage of Hong Kong waters by land and ship based
radar.
/130..
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