SECRET
UK EYES ONLY
ANNEX A TO COS 23/68
Continued
25. The movement of a further three battalions, whilst dependent upon the same availability of air routes, diplomatic clearance and no simultaneous major operations, is also dependent on the warning period. A second battalion, providing it is brought to 24 hours notice when the decision is made to despatch the first battalion, could follow up and arrive in Hong Kong within a further 48 hours Westabout, or 36 hours using the CENTO route. Should it be necessary to continue the reinforcement build-up to a total of four battalions, the additional two battalions would be despatched as circumstances required, and could be deployed within 81⁄2 days Westabout or 7 days using the CENTO route, from the time of first take off of the first battalion, All three of these battalions are at seven days notice to move. Sufficient warning will have to be given to reduce their state of readiness to enable them to keep to these timings. The pre-stocking of unit equip- ment in Hong Kong is a pre-requisite for reinforcement at this speed. 26.
Thus, in theory, the immediate reserve battalion could be provided from the United Kingdom if all the above conditions can be met, and on the assumption that sufficient warning of a deteriorat- ing situation is received. However, we are conscious of the rapidity with which an internal security situation in the Colony has developed in the past and could do so again in the future. Prompt exercise of authority by the Governor in the deployment of security forces is a major factor in preventing the expansion and exploitation of such incidents. With the police force barely able to keep pace with increased responsibilities arising from the growth and redistribution of the population, the timely arrival of reinforcements will become even more important.
27.
It would be imprudent to assume now that we will be able, in some three or four years hence, to rely on all the factors emerging in our favour and enabling us to guarantee to deploy the immediate reserve battalion in time. For these reasons we must plan for the permanent army garrison to consist ulti- mately of 73 major units. The initial deployment of this garrison in the event of an emergency would be:
Internal security duties in the New Territories and external defence on the frontier: three infantry
2.
battalions and 1
supporting units.
SECRET
A - 9
UK EYES ONLY
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