TNAG-0060-FCO40-96-Strength-of-Hong-Kong-garrison-1968 — Page 51

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to kow

many

munks

110

12.

INNEX TO COS 23/68 (Continued)

The initial tasks for the above forces would be as follows: & a Internal security duties in the New Territories and external defence on the frontier: four infantry battalions

and 1 supporting units.

b. Internal security duties in Kowloon: three infantry

battalions.

C. Internal security duties on Hong Kong Island:

infantry battalions.

two

We are aware that the Defence and Oversea Policy Committee reviewed the strength of the Hong Kong Garrison on the 19th December 1966 and decided (10) that the permanent element should be reduced to 5 major units. However, on the 5th September 1967 the Committee agreed (11) that, in the light of the internal security situation which had arisen since their previous exam- ination, it would be dangerous if the plans for reducing the garri son in the Spring of 1968 were to become known. Committee further agreed that this decision should be placed in abeyance for the time being, although it should remain their objective in the long term.

13.

The

Present Reinforcement Capability. In current. force levels we have taken into consideration the fact that the Commander-in- Chief can at present guarantee to reinforce the garrison with one battalion/commando by air within 72 hours, with no prior This reaction warning and with no air route complications. time can be reduced in anticipation of trouble on such occasions as May Day and the "Double Tenth" to 60 hours. In addition, the garrison can be reinforced by sea in four to five days, in- cluding warning time, depending on the type of ship used. Furthermore, whilst the stockpile of tanks remains in Hong Kong, personnel could be flown out from the United Kingdom to man them, should the need arise.

14. Pre-stocked Unit Equipment. There is at present in Hong Kong pre-stocked unit equipment (PUB) for one reinforcing battalion and an armoured squadron, and PUE for a further battalion is about to be set up there; PUE for a reduced brigade headquarters and a third battalion is held in Singapore

Notes:

10. OPD (66) 49th Mtg.

11.

OPD(67) 29th Mtg.

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