TNAG-0059-FCO40-95-Strength-of-Hong-Kong-garrison-1968 — Page 61

(Date

* Date and time (G.M.T.) telegram should

ach addressee(s)

7

(62)

CYPHER

Despatched

D.I.D.

ITS.

15/11

NOTHING TO BE WRITTEN IN THIS MARGIN

PRIVACY MARKING

In Confidence

[Secu

Security classification'

if any

cation]

TOP SECRET

En Clair.

[

Privacy marking -if any

]

Code Cypher

Draft Telegram/to:-

Governor,/2324 Hong Kong

No.

(Date)

And to:-

And to

15/11

[Codeword-if any]..

Addressed to

GOVERNOR

HONG KONG

telegram No.....................

(date)

Repeat to:-

Saving to:-

Distribution:—

Files

Copies to:-

Hr. Henn M.O.D.

www.

Mr. Wilson- F.ED

F.0.

repeated for information to

Saving to...

Hong Kong Garrison.

The Ministry of Defence are now considering the question

whether Hong Kong garrison should remain on accompanied

basis or should gradually change to unaccompanied tours.

Condusion is unlikely to be reached until New Year but

meanwhile an ad hoc decision will be required in connection

with replacement for 1 Welch Battalian which is due to be

by

relieved in June, 1968, battalion from United Kingdom.

2.

We understand you consider that henceforth as reliefs

of combat units take place, they should change to unaccompanied

basis, although battalion on Hong Kong Island and static and

headquarters units would remain accompanied. Unaccompanied

postings require six months notice to be given to troops and

if relief for 1 Welch Battalion is to be on unaccompanied basis,

the fact my is likely to)

we can orpeet the foot to become generally known at any time

from mid-December onwards. Grateful to learn whether in present

circumstances you nevertheless consider that their relief should

/be