9.
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ANNEX A to DP 9/68(C) (Directors Draft) (Continued)
C. Internal security duties on Hong Kong Island: one
infantry battalion.
Following our meeting (7) with the Governor Hong Kong, in
June 1967, and in response to a signal (8) from the Commander-
in-Chief Far East, we agreed as a temporary measure, to reinforce
the garrison with an extra battalion to control the situation on
the border. This was agreed by Political Departments and brought
the total strength of the garrison to 73 major units, which has
since remained unchanged.
10.
Subsequently, the Commander-in-Chief reviewed (9) his
concept of operations on the basis that if the internal security
situation again deteriorated at the same time as events on the
border required the deployment of strong forces, the normal
garrison of 63 major units might require reinforcement by up to
four infantry battalions, making a total of 10% major units to
maintain control of the colony.
11. The initial tasks for the above forces would be as follows:
a. Internal security duties in the New Territories and
external defence on the frontier:
12.
and 1 supporting units.
1.
four infantry battalions
Internal security duties in Kowloon: three infantry
battalions.
C.
Internal security duties on Hong Kong Island: two
infantry battalions.
We are aware that the Defence and Oversea Policy Committee
reviewed the strength of the Hong Kong Garrison on the 19th
Defence 1966 and decided (10) that the permanent element should
be reduced to 5 major units. However, on the 5th September 1967,
the Committee agreed (11) that, in the light of the internal
COS 53rd Mtg/67
CINCFE 27/09072 June 1967
Notes:
7.
8.
9.
10.
11.
CINCFE 2944/6090/16 dated 21 Jul 67
OPD (66) 49th Mtg
OPD (67) 29th Mtg
A 5
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