TOP SECRET
ANNEX A to DP Note 27/67(A) (Flimsy Draft) (Continued
retain the three field squadrons due to disband
when the Persian Gulf squadron is withdrawn in
1973/74.
(2) Twelve Infantry Battalions
three to replace
Gurkha battalions, and nine to back them on
unaccompanied tours. Having already used the
three battalions earmarked in our planned force levels to replace Gurkhas (see para 7.b.(3). above),
we have to find all the twelve battalions required.
We could provide the twelve battalions from our
planned force levels but only at the expense of our capability to meet limited war/internal security
commitments and our ability to back the two unaccom-
panied battalions in the Persian Gulf without over-
stretch. We were planning on the three British
battalions replacing Gurkhas on an unaccompanied
basis initially until married accommodation was
converted to British standards, and we were prepared
to do this within our planned force levels and
accept any overstretch during that period which
might be caused. However, to meet the new require-
ment in the long term, the alternative is to retain
the remaining five battalions due to disband between
1968-71 and the seven battalions due to disband when
we withdraw from the Persian Gulf in 1974/75.
e.
The Position in 1976
(1) By 1976, we would have an all British garrison of:
Unaccompanied
One armoured car squadron
One light regiment
One field squadron
Five infantry battalions
Accompanied
One infantry battalion
A
- 4
TOP SECRET
No comments yet.
Private notes are available after approval.