TNAG-0059-FCO40-95-Strength-of-Hong-Kong-garrison-1968 — Page 72

118.

Mr. Jamnag

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THIS DOCUMENT IS THE PROPERTY OF HER BRITANNIC MAJESTY'S GOVERNMENT

The circulation of this paper has been strictly limited.

It is issued for the personal use of the Carpbell

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DP Note 27/67

19th October 1967

CHIEFS OF STAFF COMMITTEE

DEFENCE PLANNING STAFF

1.

THE HONG KONG GARRISON

Note by the Directors of Defence Plans

INTRODUCTION

In accordance with instructions (1), we have prepared this Note on a report (2) by the Commander-in-Chief Far East on his discussions with the Governor and the Commander British Forces Hong Kong on the short and longer term factors affecting plans for the garrison.

2+

The Commander-in-Chief's recommendations, whilst not seriously affecting naval and air forces, raise some complex issues from the Army's point of view. In this Note we do not attempt to examine issues in detail, but rather to draw attention to the broad aspects of the problems arising from the recom- mendations.

Government Policy - Strength of Hong Kong Garrison

3. At their meeting on the 19th December 1966, the Defence and Overseas Policy Committee decided (3) that the permanent garrison should be reduced by one major unit. Subsequently, the Defence and Overseas Policy Committee at their meeting (4) on the 5th September 1967, agreed it would be dangerous if the plans for reducing the garrison in the following Spring were to become known. They further agreed that work on these plans should therefore be suspended for the time being, although long term plans to that end should remain in force. The permanent garrison, therefore, remains at 63 major units.

ARMY SHORT TERM PLANNING ISSUES

Reinforcement Battalion

4. Background. Following your meeting (5) with the Governor of Hong Kong in June 1967, you agreed, as a temporary measure, to reinforce the Hong Kong Garrison with one battalion, bringing the total strength to 7 major units. This was agreed by Political Departments and you authorised (6) the Commander-in- Chief to reinforce Hong Kong. The intention was that the battalion would remain in Hong Kong until after the "double tenth"

Notes:

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2.

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4.

5

COS 1864/11/10/67

SEACOS 153

OPD(66) 49th Mtg/Item 4

OFD(67) 29th Mtg

COS 53rd Mto/67

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