Our reference: AUS (POL) 6216
Your reference:
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Dea
My Carlin
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Hell
15/5
TOP SECRET
MINISTRY OF DEFENCE Main Building, Whitehall, LONDON S.W.I
Telephone: WHItehall 7022, ext.
HONG KONG
13th September, 1967
Si
You were present at the Chiefs of Staffs yesterday when the question of reinforcing Hong Kong for the "Double Tenth" was discussed. It seems clear that both the political and military judgement is that no reinforcement is required, though I am sure we shall all have to keep the situation under close review and, as you know, it is in fact a very simple matter for us to reinforce should the need arise.
2. It might perhaps be useful if I set down briefly the military factors. The Commander in Chief Far East does not think it would be necessary to reinforce Hong Kong to cover the period in question unless the situation there deteriorates. This has been considered carefully and takes full account of local political, as well as military, opinion.
3.
The garrison in Hong Kong is already at a strength of 73 major units which is one above its normal complement and a good deal higher than has been the case for the "Double Tenth" for some time past. Apart from this increase in the Army garrison you should know that two flights of the RAF regiment will also be in Hong Kong at the date in question and they will be there specifically for training and internal security duties. HMS Triumph will also be there together with some helicopters from the Far East Air Force.
4. The Chiefs of Staff fully support this appreciation and you should also know that the Commander in Chief Far East will be in Hong Kong from 4th to 9th October which is a particularly convenient time in the context we are considering.
5. I have sent a copy of this letter to Jack Rennie in the Foreign Office.
Hone, anarly
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Fuch loca
(F. COOPER)
H. P. Hall, Esq
Commonwealth Office
Copy to:- Sir John Rennie
Foreign Office
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TOP SECRET
SPECIAL CANE 15 SEP 1967
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