TNAG-0061-FCO40-97-Strength-of-Hong-Kong-garrison-1968 — Page 118

1

SECRET

(1) 5 Mine Counter-Measures Vessels

(2)

5 Major Army Units

(3)

6 Whirlwind helicopters

(4)

5 Hunters (if provided)

(5)

The element of an RAF Regiment Squadron,

are related to internal security and other purposes. I consider that Defence Votes should be reimbursed for their costs, of which details are given in paragraphs 9-14 of Annex.

Recommendations

4.

I invite my colleagues:-

a.

to agree to my proposals at paragraph 2 for the future strength and structure of our forces in Hong Kong;

b.

to consider whether Hunter aircraft should be stationed in the Colony after their withdrawal from Singapore;

C

to agree in principle that the costs of that part of the Garrison not directly attributable to our external defence responsibilities, with the appropriate support, should be reimbursed to Defence Votes, taking account of the considerations of paragraphs 12-14 in Annex.

Ministry of Defence London, S.W.1. 9th May, 1968

SECRET

D.W.H.