SECRET
UK EYES ONLY
ANNEX A to DP 9/68 (Final)(Continued)
that there will be no reserves of British forces available in
the theatre and that reinforcements will then have to come from
Europe. In these circumstances much will depend on buoying
up the expectations of both Europeans and Asians and avoiding a crisis of confidence. Any reduction in the strength of our forces in Hong Kong at that stage could well affect the confidence of police and public by casting doubt on HM Government's
intention to maintain a military presence in the Colony.
Royal Navy
18.
RATIONALE FOR FUTURE FORCE LEVELS
The requirement already established to keep one frigate permanently in Hong Kong will have to be met from the Western Fleet, after the withdrawal of the Far East Flcct from Singapore. Owing to the increased length of passage time, the reinforcement
required in times of tension can only be met if a second frigate
romains within a few days steaming of Hong Kong, and is based
there. One of these frigates is also likely to continue to be
declared to the United Nations Command Korea; this commitment is currently under review by political departments. The further requirement to keep two MCM vessels at operational readiness, together with two further MCM vessels available in times of
tension, can only be met by basing them on Hong Kong.
19. With the loss of Singapore-based fleet maintenance and logistic facilitics the following increases will be required in
Hong Kong:
20.
as:
a.
A small increase in personnel and stores in HMS TAMAR.
b. The provision of one small tanker, to guard against the
loss of commercial shore fucl facilities through strike action or subversion, and to support the UN Command frigate if deployed.
The minimum naval force requirements are therefore summarised
a.
Two frigatos. Ono as guardship (also declared ship
to United Nations Command in South Korea), one as reinforce-
mont.
SECRET
4-7
UK EYES ONLY
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