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ANNEX A
17. In the unlikely event of an outright Chinese military invasion we could not defend Hong Kong and evacuation from the Colony is likely to be a very difficult, if not impracticable operation. However, the role of the forces is to assist the Hong Kong Government in maintaining internal security, deterring, by their presence any precipitate action by theChinese, and identifying aggression in the event of an armed Chinese attack. To do this we maintain in Hong
Kong a garrison of the order of six to seven major units, A garrison of this size is acceptable whilst there is a reinforcement capability within the Pur Last Theatre. No Royal Air Force
aircraft, other than support helicopters, are stationed in the
Colony, but aircraft make periodic visits to establish a measure of control over local air space. One frigate and two coastal
minesweepers are maintained in the Colony on a rotational basis
from Singapore.
18. At a time when we are reducing our other commitments and forces
East of Suez, it is important to maintain confidence in the Colony in our intention to maintain our position there. Certainly we must
not give tho Chinese the impression that we were preparing to leave, Because of the political decision to withdraw our forces from Singapore/Malaysia at some stage it will become impossible to continue to provide support and backing for Hong Kong from the theatre. An internal security situation could arise and get rapidly out of control, and as our garrison will then be at the end of a long line of communications its effective and timely reinforcement would be dependent on adequate warning, availability of an air route, overflying permission and the absence of my other concurrent major
operation. We cannot be certain that all these conditions will
emerge in our favour and it will therefore be necessary for us to
make a modest increase in the permanent strength of the forces to mect our responsibilities. Ministers have recently agreed that
after 1971 the forces should consist of the following :-
Army
Navy
R.A.F.
7号
major units
2 frigates
5 coastal minesweepers
1 small tanker
6 Whirlwind helicopters
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