TNAG-0060-FCO40-96-Strength-of-Hong-Kong-garrison-1968 — Page 199

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ANNEX A to DP 9/68(C) (Preliminary Draft) (Continued)

11.

Subsequently, the force on the border had to be increased at

one stage to three battalions, and the Commander-in-Chief reviewed

(11) 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.

12. The tasks for the above forces would be as follows:

13.

a. External defence on the frontier and internal security

duties in the New Territories:

13 supporting units.

b.

four infantry battalions and

Internal security duties in Kowloon: three infantry

battalions.

C. Internal security duties on Hong Kong Island: two

infantry battalions.

Present Reinforcement Capability. At present, the Commander-

in-Chief has the capability of providing from his theatre forces,

up to two battalions/commandos. Present contingency plans provide

for the reinforcement of the garrison from Singapore by one bat-

talion or commando by air in about three days (24 hours warning

time and 48 hours to complete the fly-in); or by sea, in four to

five days, including warning time, depending on the type of ship

used.

14. Pre-stocked Unit Equipment. There is at present in Hong

Kong pre-stocked unit equipment (PUB) for one reinforcing battalion

and one armoured squadron. PUE for a further battalion is about

to be set up there; PUE for a reduced brigade headquarters and a

third battalion is being constituted in Singapore and will be

moved to Hong Kong by sea when required.

Note:

11. CINCFE 2944/6090/16 dated 21 July 1967

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