TNAG-0059-FCO40-95-Strength-of-Hong-Kong-garrison-1968 — Page 91

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ANNEX to DP Note 27/67(A) (Draft)(Continued)

Therefore only three infantry battalions would be

required.

All these units could only be provided at the expense of

the operational efficiency of 3 Division, and of our ability

to back the two unaccompanied battalions in the Gulf.

C.

Replacement of Gurkhas 1972 - 74. Une Gurkha field

squadron and three Gurkha battalions would have to be

replaced during this period by British units on an

unaccompanied basis.

d.

To meet that requirement we would need:

(1) Four Field Squadrons

one to replace the Gurkha

field squadron and three to back it on unaccompanied

tours. Our planned force levels already provide for

one replacement squadron. We could provide the remaining

three squadrons from our planned force levels but only

at the expense of the operational efficiency of the

Strategic Reserve, or by the retention of Field squadrons

due to disband.

(2)

1

J

three to replace

Twelve Infantry Battalions

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. The provision of these

battalions could only be achieved at the expense of our

Strategic Reserve, and by the retention of battalions at

present due to disband between 1968 and 1975.

The Position in 1976

(1) By 1976, we would have an all British garrison of:

Unaccompanied

Accompanied

One armoured car squadron One infantry battalion

Üne light regiment

A 3

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