SECRET
UK EYES ONLY
b.
ANNEX A to DP 9/68 (Final) (Continued)
Internal security duties in Kowloon: two infantry battalions.
C. Internal security duties in Hong Kong Island:
one infantry battalion.
28. Army Department Studios.
Tabel 6 Poas.
5 + 12/ deprectin
The Army Department is at prosent carrying out an examination of the possible continuation of employment of Gurkhas as part of the Hong Kong Garrison after
our final withdrawal from Malaysia, Singapore and Brunei. In addition, another examination is being undertaken on the possibility
of introducing unaccompanied service for a proportion of the army
garrison. However, the outcome of those examinations will have
no bearing on the recommended number of operational army units.
Royal Air Force
29. After the withdrawal of the Royal Air Force from Malaysia and Singapore, it will be possible to deploy aircraft to Hong Kong only from those forcos based in Europe and in the Mediterranean
area.
30. Helicopters. At the request of the Governor and the Commander British Forces Hong Kong, approval (14) has been given for the permanent establishment of six Royal Air Force helicopters in Hong Kong, We see this requirement as being one which will continue. In the event of major reinforcement, it may become necessary to deploy additional helicopters to the Colony.
31. Fighter Aircraft. The Governor has requested (15) that consideration be given to the provision of a permanent presence of fighter aircraft in Hong Kong as part of the measures giving visible evidence of HM Government's intention to maintain its
position in the Colony. [The Governor recognises that, in
[sme Substitutions)
practice, defending fighter aircraft would have little or no chance of carrying out interceptions in the Colony's air space. However, in his view, fighter aircraft would deter incursions, and their permanent absence might be interpreted as a weakening of United Kingdom resolution. We see no military justification for stationing fighter aircraft permanently in Hong Kong and consider that the Governor's request could be met by the undertaking to deploy high-performance Phantom aircraft from our general
Notes:
14.
COSSEA 26 15. COS 1081/2/2/68
A
10
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UK EYES ONLY
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