TNAG-0061-FCO40-97-Strength-of-Hong-Kong-garrison-1968 — Page 103

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SECRET

BRIEF FOR

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DEFENCE AND OVERSEA POLICY COMMITTEE

29 MAY, 1968

ITEM : HONG KONG GARRISON

(OPD(68) 32)

133

135

To review the future strength and structure of the Hong Kong

Garrison in the light of our planned withdrawal from Singapore and

Malaysia by the end of 1971.

Recommendations

2.

(a) The force levels proposed in the paper should be fully

supported as the minimum required to maintain our

position in the Colony.

(b) The inclusion of a permanent fighter element in the

R.A.F. presence should be strongly urged on political

grounds. If opposition is very strong it might be

suggested that a decision be deferred pending an examina-

tion now being made by the Air Force department of

certain proposals put forward by the Governor of Hong

Kong during his recent visit which, if acceptable,

contribute towna

/the

would mean that Hong Kong would meet the operating costs

of a small fighter unit.

(c) The attribution of a substantially internal security role

to specific elements of the forces and consequential

suggestion that the full budgetary costs of those forces

should be met from outside Defence votes and possibly

recovered in full from the Hong Kong Government should be

resisted.

Speaking Notes

Force Levels

J

We faccess the 1.0.0.

ecent the M.D.D. view that

3. The force levels proposed are

viewthe minimum required

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SECRET