TNAG-0060-FCO40-96-Strength-of-Hong-Kong-garrison-1968 — Page 159

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ANNEX A to

COS 1181/8/3/68

1.

FUTURE DEFENCE POLICY

THE HONG KONG GARRISON

Note by the Assistant Chief of Defence Staff (Policy)

The Commonwealth Office, in conjunction with the Foreign Office and the Ministry of Defence, is producing a study on HM Government's long term policy towards Hong Kong for consideration by the Defence and Oversea Policy Committee. At the same time the Defence Policy Staff is undertaking a complementary military study (1) for consideration by the Chiefs of Staff at their meeting on the 21st March.

2. The aim of the Defence Policy Staff study (1) is to examine the impact upon 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 and its logistic support, after the Commander-in-Chief Far East no longer has the capability for reinforcement.

3. The Defence Policy Staff preliminary conclusions are:-

a.

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.

b

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 recommonded strength of 73 major units before the withdrawal from Singapore is completed.

C.

To meet the Commander-in-Chief's revised concept

of operations in an emergency, reinforcements would have to be provided from the United Kingdom to bring the garrison up to a total of 10 major units; pro-stocked unit equipment at internal security scales should be held in Hong Kong for this purpose.

d. The Governor's request for a permanent fighter presence on political grounds can be met by stationing a small force of 5 Hunter aircraft at Kai Tak when they can no longer be provided on rotation from the Far East Air Force. The stationing of aircraft permanently in the colony will necessitate the deployment of an RAF Rogiment squadron for their protection together with general security of RAF installa- tions.

e. Although it is difficult to be precise at this stage, it would be prudent to plan for the Hong Kong Garrison by the end of 1971 to consist of:

(1) Royal Navy

2 Frigates

5 Mine Counter Measure Vessels 1 Small Tanker/Stores Ship Small increase in base complement of HMS TAMAR for maintenance of MCM(V)s.

Note

1.

DP 9/68(C)

is

1

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