Syope Nestumes for 3
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4. The Army units were to have been reduced to 5% major units during 1967-68; but this decision was never publicly
announced and has never been implemented because of the-
disturbances in the Colony in 1967. The garrison was in
fact reinforced by one battalion from Singapore during the
earlier stages of the disturbances and its strength remained
at 7 major units until June, 1968, when one battalion was withdrawn. The fighter aircraft were withdrawn in March 1967
and air cover, if needed has to be provided from Singapore. The naval vessels (which were to have been withdrawn) have
been retained.
Future Garrison
5. Her Majesty's Government's decision to withdraw their Forces from Singapore and Malaysia by the end of 1971 will
mean that it will thereafter not be possible to reinforce
the Hong Kong Garrison from those sources in time of need.
Nor will it be possible to continue to provide fighter cover
from Singapore after February 1970, since the R.A.F. Hunter
Squadron there is to be disbanded at that date as part of the
gradual withdrawal of British Forces. This situation will
entail keeping a higher level of forces in the Colony itself.
Accordingly, the Defence and Oversea Policy Committee, on 29 May, 1968, approved proposals that the future garrison in Hong Kong should consist of: -
Royal Navy
2 frigates
ine
to cover each of offroeaches
(^
6.
Army
R.A.F.
5 mine counter-measures
vessels
1 small tanker
7 major units
6 Whirlwind helicopters
(already in Hong Kong) R.A.F. staging element R.A.F. signals element
The Committee also considered a proposal that the R.A.F.
presence in the Colony should contain a permanent fighter element of five Hunter aircraft (see Annex B).
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