TNAG-0060-FCO40-96-Strength-of-Hong-Kong-garrison-1968 — Page 209

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42. Command Arrangements

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

In the event of a permanent Royal

Air Force presence being provided, there will be a requirement

to establish a small air operations staff in the headquarters of

Commander British Forces Hong Kong to discharge joint operational

responsibilities.

43. Personnel and Logistics.

In the event of a small permanent

fighter, helicopter, and RAF Regiment force being deployed in

Hong Kong, an increase of the order of 15 UK uniformed personnel

and 5 LEC will be necessary to make the unit administratively self-

sufficient. There may also be a requirement for a holding of

equipment and some additional weapons storage. A reserve of

weapons for operational aircraft, based on 5 days at sustained

rates of effort is likely to be required, together with provision

for training.

Air Movement from the United Kingdom

44. Until the Army Department studies in respect of the

possibility of continuation of the employment of Gurkhas in

Hong Kong and the possibility of introducing unaccompanied service

have been completed, it is not possible to estimate the likely

movement requirement of both passengers and freight, by air, from

the United Kingdom to Hong Kong. The air routes to be used are

the subject of a separate Air Force Department study (18).

COSTS

45. We envisage a costings Appendix which would show the costs for a garrison comprised of the following Army elements:

Note:

Not

a. A garrison of either 73, 6%, or 53 major units, all

British and accompanied or all British and unaccompanied,

less one battalion.

COS 1133/23/2/68 Serial 159

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