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ANNEX A TO DOP 4/68 (Final)
Continued)
Withdrawal of Families
49. We note that, under the plan, some families will remain until September 1971. We recognise that problems will exist concerning examinations, completion of the school year and accommodation in the United Kingdom; but we consider that the aim should be to complete the evacuation of families by July 1971. An examination of this subject is in hand,
Reception in the United Kingdom
50. We agree that CINCFE is justified in planning on the assumption that the capacity of the United Kingdom to accept and accommodate personnel, dependants, stores and equipment will not impose restrictions on the rate of rundown. Nevertheless there is some doubt regarding availability of accommodation in the United Kingdom for minor units and individual families, if there are peaks in their movement which we are unable to determine from the plan at present. This is a point which should be progressively
clarified as and when information becomes available.
War Maintenance Reserves
51.
The plan states that, after 1st April 1969, 60 day War Maintenance Reserves at IS rates will be required for:
a.
3 Commando Brigade, until late 1971. The bulk of these reserves will be kept afloat from mid-1970,
Two infantry battalions until 1st September 1971.
We consider that, in addition to the above, a similar or lower scale of war maintenance reserve for the armoured car squadron and other army field force units especially the armoured car squadron should be kept until September 1971.
Works Services
52. The plan should state that Part 1 Works Services will only be acceptable if they will result in an overall saving by December 1971. However, the need for accommodation in Hong Kong for the Gurkha Units moving there from Singapore and Malaysia may well be urgent. If building is to be finished in time it must be started without delay,
Gurkha Strengths
53. We note that the figures given for Gurkha strengths are based on establishments. These differ considerably from forecast strengths which have been used in Headquarters FARELF latest Plan. We would prefer that forecast strengths should be used throughout.
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