TNAG-0061-FCO40-97-Strength-of-Hong-Kong-garrison-1968 — Page 37

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(C) IF THE ARRIVAL IN HONG KONG OF 2 PARA LEADS TO QUESTIONS WI SUGGEST THAT THEY BE ANSWERED BY SAYING THAT THE UNIT HAS ARRED AS TEMPORARY REPLACEMENT FOR 2/6 GHURKAS.

3. WE ARE OF COURSE AWARE THAT THE VICE CHIEF OF THE GENERAL STAFF IS REPORTED AS HAVING SAID PUBLICLY DURING HIS RECENT VISIT TO HONG KONG THAT THE INCREASE IN THE SIZE OF THE ARMY GARRISON IS LIKELY TO BE OF THE ORDER OF ONE BATALLION. IF THEREFORE IT IS SIMPLY A QUESTION OF CONFIRMING, IN REPLY TO ENQUIRIES, WHAT THE V.C.G.S. SAID WE SHOULD HAVE NO OBJECTION.

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