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Unaccompanied Tours
7.12.
Following the disturbances which occurred
in Hong Kong during 1967 the Commander-in-Chief,
Far East, with the support of the Governor,
originated a proposal that British units in
Hong Kong (with the exception of H.Q. Staff
and the Forces on the Island) should be
unaccompanied by their families. The proposal
was conceived against the background of an all-
British Garrison. There would be fewer hostages
to fortune in the event of a Chinese takeover
and the men would be able to discharge their
duties without anxiety for the safety of their
families.
8. On examination in the Ministry of Defence
many objections were raised.
Units would need
one
to be on nine month tours and on this basis would
have to
人
be relieved every 'six weeks:
the effect of this
would be unsettling not only in Hong Kong but on
the families of the men. The Chief of the
General Staff subsequently visited Hong Kong
and discussed the whole matter with the
Governor and the Commander British Forces, Hong
Kong.
Following
this visit both the Governor
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