TNAG-0055-FCO40-91-Defence-review-1977 — Page 50

b.

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90 days War Maintenance Reserve Project Stores

IS Stockpile for a brigade Maintenance Stocks

UK EYES ONLY

The biggest dividend to be obtained from a reduction of touch arms would be to run down the Gurkha orbat to 6,000. This might enable us to retain more teeth arms for the Commonwealth Brigade but some reductions would still be necessary. The best dividend would be to run down Gurkhas to 6,000 coupled with a reduction of Commonwealth Brigade teeth arms and relief from Plan 4 and 8 SEATO logistic commitments. From 1971 onwards the main military presence in this area could be the Commando Brigade.

If this could be accepted then 50% cut in land forces in Malaysia/Singapore sould be achieved by the end of 1971. It could not be achieved before because the 6,000 figure for Gurkhas could not be reached until the end of 1971. The ARMY COMMANDER explained that, under current plans, up to two major units have to be sent from Singapore to Hong Kong in an emergency. A new reinforcement plan for Hong Kong would be necessary if tooth arms in Malaysia/Singapore are to be reduced; this could entail reinforcement from the UK or a permanent increase in the Hong Kong garrison up to 7 units. Beyond 1971, a major policy decision will be required concerning British participation in the Commonwealth Brigade. final withdrawal from the mainland of Asia (if this is decided upon) it was essential that the Commando Brigade remains for IS duties and to protect British interests in the area. A total disbandment of the Gurkhas would necessitate their replacement in Hong Kong by British units.

Delete:

Until

Appendix 2 to Annex A to CINCJE. 1511/6130/18 dated 27th April 1967.

Insert: New attached Appendix.

(J.W. LOUW) Group Captain

Head of Secretariat

Copy No

Distribution:

Private Secretary to the Secretary of State Briefing Officer to the Chief of the Defence Staff

British High Commissioner, Kuala Lumpur

British High Commissioner, Singapore

Commander, Far East Fleet

Commander, Far East Land Forces

Commander, Far East Air Force

1-10

11-20

21-22

23-24

25-27

28-30

31-33

Internal:

Personal Staff Officer to Commander-in-Chief

36

Political Adviser

·37-38

Chief of Staff, Far East

39

Director of Plans and Operations

40

Head of Secretariat

41

Subject File

Spares

42 43-60

This document consists of 3 pages

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