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ANNEX A to DP 9/68(C) (Preliminary Draft)
Continued)
34. We recognise that within the time frame we are considering,
the Chinese attitude towards the colony might change for the
better. In such circumstances, a further review would be
necessary to determine whether the garrison could be reduced
to below 6 major units.
35. Army Department Studies.
The Army Department is at present
carrying out an examination of the possible continuation of employ- ment of Gurkhas as part of the Hong Kong Garrison after our final
In addition, withdrawal from Malaysia, Singapore and Brunei.
another examination is being undertaken on the possibility of introducing unaccompanied service for the bulk of the army garrison. However, the outcome of these examinations should have no bearing
on the factors affecting the composition and minimum size of the anmy element of the garrison as an independent command, providing
the assessment is based solely on the military requirement to
meet the threat.
Royal Air Force
36.
Helicopters. At the request of the Governor and the Commander British Forces Hong Kong, approval (16) has been given
for the permanent establishment of six Royal Air Force helicopters in Hong Kong. Wo see this roquirement as being one which is
likely to continue and in an emergency it may become necessary
to deploy additional helicopters to the colony.
37. Fighter Aircraft. The Governor of Hong Kong has requested (17) that consideration be given to the provision of a permanent presence of fightor aircraft in Hong Kong as a part of the measures giving visible evidence of HM Government's intention to maintain
its position in the colony. The Governor recognises that, in practice, defending fighter aircraft would have little or no chance of carrying out interceptions in the colony's air space.
Notes:
16. COSSEA 26
17. COS 1081/2/2/68
A
G
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