TNAG-0060-FCO40-96-Strength-of-Hong-Kong-garrison-1968 — Page 41

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25.

Annex A to COS1252/5/4/68 (Concluded)

The financial savings, particularly in foreign exchange, would be significant. But we do not consider that they would in themselves justify changing the policy of sending families to Hong Kong.

26. The first relief at which it would be reasonable to implement any change to unaccompanied status is due in late 1969. The relieving unit will have to be warned by the spring of 1969. Any decision to change the status of the Hong Kong garrison should be taken by early 1969. There is a

clear advantage in leaving the decision open until then, so that it may be taken in the light of develop- ments in Hong Kong.

RECOMMENDATION

27. It is recommended that a decision on the future status of the Hong Kong garrison should be left open until early 1969.

A - 8

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