TNAG-0179-FCO40-215-Strength-of-Hong-Kong-Garrison-1970 — Page 54

SECRET

1

ANNEX A TO DOP 528/69

(Preliminary Draft (Continued)

important part of the full weapons system required for locating,

ranging and calibration. Withdrawal of the troop would therefore

G only reduce the effectiveness of the light regiment in Hong Kong

but would also inhibit its immediate employment in other theatres at

the end of a tour there.

11. Withdrawal of the Tank Stockpile.

The tank stockpile, which

is shortly to be re-equipped with later mark Centurion tanks armed

with the 105 mm gun, is an important part of the anti-tank defence

of the Colony. We are advised that the presence of the tanks is

very strongly supported by HE The Governor, who considers that they

play a significant part in maintaining local confidence.

12.

Withdrawal of No 1 Army Information Team. The Army Information

team has a leading role in countering the Communist attempt to win

over the hearts and minds of the population. By making contact with,

and providing information for remote communities it makes a major

contribution, out of all proportion to its size, in gaining the co-

operation of the local inhabitants. We are advised that HE The

Governor places considerable emphasis on this task.

13.

Disbandment of 41 Pack Transport Troop, RCT. 41 Pack Transport

Troop, RCT continues to have an important task in the re-supply by

mule of units serving on the Chinese border and in areas of the New

Territories inaccessible to motor transport.

Helicopters cannot

take over this task com letely because of the ban on flying in the

immediate border area, and general restrictions on flying by night

and in adverse weather conditions. Re-supply by civilian porters

has been considered but rejected on security grounds. Apart fro...

complicating the re-supply problems in Hong Kong the disbandment of

this unit, the only one of its kind in the Army, would result in the

loss of pack transport techniques.

A

A

SECRET