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ANNEX A to DP 9/68(C)
(Directors Draft
FUTURE DEFENCE POLICY
THE HONG KONG GARRISON
INTRODUCTION
+ present
is no
1. In accordance with HM Government policy (1) there is no
question of reducing the strength or effectiveness of the Hong
Kong garrison after the withdrawal of United Kingdom forces
When the
The garrison is to cease to be
from Malaysia and Singapore.
subordinate to Far East Command and is to become an independent
command responsible direct to the Ministry of Defence by the 1st
April 1970 (2).
2. The Commonwealth Office, in conjunction with the Foreign
Office and the Ministry of Defence, is producing a study (3) on
HM Government's long term policy towards Hong Kong which is to
be considered in due course by the Defence and Oversea Policy
Committee. Accordingly, there is a requirement for a complemen-
tary military study (4) to be made on the long term policy for the
Hong Kong garrison.
3. This report examines the impact on the Hong Kong garrison of
the withdrawal of United Kingdom forces from Malaysia and Singapore,
with particular reference to the minimum size and composition of
the garrison after the Commander-in-Chief Far East no longer has
the capability to reinforce the Colony.
THE THREAT
4. The Joint Intelligence Committee has assessed (5) the threat
to Hong Kong over the next five years, as far as circumstances in
China permit any realistic assessment. In summary the report
states that:
a. China could seize Hong Kong militarily at any
time and we might have no effective warning, but on
Notes:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
CMND 3515
COSSEA 28
COS 1133/23/2/68 Serial 157(2)
COS 1133/23/2/68 Serial 157(1
JIC (68) 15 Final dated 12 Jan 68
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