UK EYES ONLY
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ANNEX A TO COS 23/68
Continued)
Internal security duties in Kowloon: two infantry
battalions.
Internal security duties in Hong Kong Island: one
infantry battalion.
In
28. Army Department Studies. The Army Department is at present carrying out an examination of the possible continuation of employment of Gurkhas as part of the Hong Kong Garrison after our final withdrawal from Malaysia, Singapore and Brunei. addition, another examination is being undertaken on the possibil- ity of introducing unaccompanied service for a proportion of the army garrison. However, the outcome of these examinations will have no bearing on the recommended number of operational army
units.
Royal Air Force
29. After the withdrawal of the Royal Air Force from Malaysia and Singapore, it will be possible to deploy aircraft to Hong Kong only from those forces based in Europe and in the Mediterranean
area.
30. Helicopters. At the request of the Governor and the Commander British Forces Hong Kong, approval (14) has been given for the permanent establishment of six Royal Air Force helicopters in Hong Kong. We see this requirement as being one which will continue. In the event of major reinforcement, it may become necessary to deploy additional helicopters to the Colony. 31. Fighter Aircraft. The Governor has requested (15) that consideration be given to the provision of a permanent presence of fighter aircraft in Hong Kong as part of the measures giving visible evidence of HM Government's intention to maintain its position in the Colony. The Governor recognises that the maintenace of the sovereignty of Hong Kong air space presents special problems of interception but, in his view, fighter aircraft would deter incursions and their permanent absence might be interpreted as a weakening of United Kingdom resolution. Although we recognise that the Phantom aircraft which will succeed the Hunter has a better capability to carry out interceptions in Hong Kong air space we do not see this as offering sufficient justification for stationing fighter aircraft permanently in Hong
Notes:
14.
COSSEA 26. 15. COS 1081/2/2/68.
fo
10
SECRET
UK EYES ONLY
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