TNAG-0060-FCO40-96-Strength-of-Hong-Kong-garrison-1968 — Page 39

སྐ

SECRET

ANNEX A TO COS 1252/5/4/68 (Continued)

19.

Although we have set out these financial implications, we are strongly of the opinion that they do not in them- selves justify any decision to change the present policy of sending families to Hong Kong.

Timing

20. It was originally proposed that the change-over to unaccompanied service should begin with the relief of 1 WELCH in June 1968, but this request was refused(7). The next planned reliefs in the garrison are as follows:-

a

Armoured car squadron

October 1968

•

b.

Light regiment RA

- February 1969

C.

Infantry battalion (1 LF)

late 1969

The reliefs for a. and b. have already been warned for accompanied service in Hong Kong. In theory, it would be possible to change the basis of the tour of the unit due to relieve the light regiment in February 1969, since they have. had longer than the six months' minimum notice normally expected. Such change of plan would, however, be not only inequitable but liable to start off precisely the type of speculation that could undermine confidence in the Colony.

21.

This means that the first reasonable opportunity for a change to unaccompanied service would be in late 1969 when 1 LF are due to be relieved. On the basis of the normal six months' notice, the relief would have to be warned not later than about the spring of 1969. There is accordingly no reason why a decision on the future status of the garrison should be taken before early 1969, and indeed there would be ૩. clear advantage, if all the available evidence is to be taken into account, in keeping the option open until early 1969. It will then be possible to review how events have shaped in the intervening months, and either accept or modify the assessment on which CINCFE's original recommendation was based.

CONCLUSIONS

22. A gradual changcover to unaccompanied tours in Hong

Kong would have the following implications:

a.

Advantages

(1) The number of service families who might need protection against terrorism would be reduced, thus simplifying the task of the garrison.

Note:

7.

MOD (Army) KNT 1511142 Dec 67.

A

· 6

SECRET