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ANNEX A to DP 9/68(C)
(Directors' Draft (Continued
discern no weakening of their long term intentions to
hamtam
VĖ) (UPĖ
on
take over control of the Colony. They cofijd over mur
-Hong Kong militarily at any time and the threat to internal
security, coupled with the ability of the Chinese to
aggravate the situation on the border, will in no
diminish.
Во
The withdrawal of British forces from Malaysia and
Singapore will be apparent to the population of Hong Kong.
Morale in the Colony will be particularly sensitive to the
knowledge that there will be no reserve forces available in
the theatre and that reinforcements will have to come from
the United Kingdom.
C.
A reduction of one battalion below the present level of 73 major units may be acceptable whilst the Commander-in-
Chief Far East retains the ability to reinforce at very short
notice from within the theatre. However, it will be necessary
to bring the garrison back to its recommended strength of 74
major units before the withdrawal from Singapore is completed.
d. In the event of a serious emergency, it would be
necessary to reinforce the Hong Kong Garrison up to a total
of 10 major units to meet the Commander-in-Chief's new
operational concept. The reinforcing units would have
to be provided from the United Kingdom.
e.
In order to meet the requirement for rapid reinforcement
from the United Kingdom there will have to be pre-stocking
of unit equipment at appropriate scales for the reinforcing
battalions. War Maintenance Reserves would be based on
the major units of the permanent garrison only.
f. There is no military justification for the permanent
Sush
stationing of fighter aircraft in Hong Kong.
人
Shored the cluation change
If the
requirement arose it could be met from our general capability.
A - 15
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