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ANNEX A to DP_9/68(C)
(Directors Draft (Continued)
security situation which had arisen since their previous examin-
ation, it would be dangerous if the plans for reducing the
garrison in the Spring of 1968 were to become known. The
Committee further agreed that this decision should be placed in
abeyance for the time being, although it should remain their
objective in the long term. We suggest that as a result of the
present studies the Defence and Oversea Policy Committee may wish
to reconsider their previous findings.
13. Present Reinforcement Capability.
In the assessment of our
force levels we have taken into consideration the fact that the
Commander-in-Chief can guarantee to reinforce the garrison with
one battalion/commando by air within 72 hours, with no prior
warning and with no air route complications. This can be
reduced in anticipation of trouble on such occasions as May Day
and the "Double Tenth" to 60 hours. In addition, the garrison
can be reinforced by sea in four to five days, including warning
time, depending on the type of ship used. Furthermore, whilst
the stockpile of tanks remains in Hong Kong, personnel could be
flown out from the United Kingdom to man them, should the need arise.
140 Pre-stocked Unit Equipment. There is at present in Hong
Kong pre-stocked unit equipment (PUE) for one reinforcing
battalion, and PUE for a further battalion is about to be set
up there; PUE for a reduced brigade headquarters and a third
battalion is held in Singapore and will be permanently established
in Hong Kong when no longer required in Singapore.
Royal Air Force
·
15. The Royal Air Force presence in Hong Kong consists of a force
of six Whirlwind helicopters to give mobility to ground forces.
The staging post at Kai Tak has been strengthened, since May 1967,
by up to two RAF Regiment Flights detached from the Singapore-
based squadrons. Administrative support is provided by Kai T
for these units, together with the signal and radar station at
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