16
The Armed Services and Auxiliary Services
部和
「輔軍
隊助
BECAUSE of the dramatic escalation in the numbers of illegal immigrants from China and refugees from Vietnam, the Armed Forces were called upon to increase their operations and support during 1979.
The Royal Navy, the British Army and the Royal Air Force are all represented in Hong Kong. At the beginning of 1979, the Hong Kong garrison comprised five Navy patrol craft, a Gurkha engineer regiment, a Gurkha signal regiment, one United Kingdom and three Gurkha infantry battalions, one Army helicopter squadron equipped with Scout helicopters and one Air Force squadron equipped with Wessex helicopters.
However, owing to the influx of illegal immigrants from China and refugees from Vietnam during the year, it was necessary to bring in reinforcements. The Hong Kong garri- son was strengthened by a United Kingdom-based infantry battalion and two Gurkha infantry companies from Brunei; more naval craft and helicopters; and increased Air Force support.
The Army, working with the Royal Hong Kong Police Force, greatly expanded its anti- illegal immigration operations. Previously, Army patrols had concentrated mainly on the New Territories' mainland border with China, within the Frontier Closed Area. However, this was extended to include the entire land perimeter of Hong Kong and the outlying islands. In Hong Kong waters, there was increased naval activity in support of the police force's Marine District.
The Armed Services operate in Hong Kong under the overall command of the Com- mander British Forces. The Commander British Forces advises the Governor on matters affecting the security of Hong Kong and is responsible to the Chief of the Defence Staff in London. The Armed Forces are stationed here primarily to assist the government in maintaining security and stability and to sustain confidence in the United Kingdom's intention to maintain the British position in Hong Kong.
The size and composition of the garrison, and the contribution Hong Kong makes towards the cost of keeping it, are determined by an agreement between the Hong Kong and United Kingdom Governments known as the Defence Costs Agreement. The current agreement came into effect on April 1, 1976, and will run for seven years. The United Kingdom undertakes to reinforce the garrison should the circumstances so dictate.
As part of the Defence Costs Agreement, Victoria Barracks was released to the Hong Kong Government in March, 1979. Headquarters British Forces moved into the new tower block in HMS Tamar, which was formally opened by His Royal Highness the Prince of Wales during his visit to Hong Kong in March.
Royal Navy
The Royal Navy is under the command of the Captain-in-Charge, Hong Kong. Until mid-1979 the naval forces consisted of the five patrol craft (ex TON-class minesweepers)