SECRET
(covering TOP SECRET annex)
135
Problem
DEFENCE AND OVERSEA POLICY COMMITTEE
29 MAY, 1968
ITEM HONG KONG GARRISON
(OPD (68) 32).
133
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
نه
(a)
The force levels proposed in the paper should be fully
supported as the minimum required to maintain our
www
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,
would mean that Hong Kong would contribute towards the
operating costs of a small fighter unit.
(c) The attribution of a substantially internal security role
the
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
SECRET
(covering TOP SECRET annex)
/Force
No comments yet.
Private notes are available after approval.