TNAG-0183-FCO40-219-Briefs-for-Ministry-of-Defence-Ministerial-visits-1969 — Page 61

SECRET

largely unaccompanied British garrison. He concluded that a decision is needed on the nature of the new barracks by mid-1971. This means that the future of the Gurkhas and

question of accompanied or unaccompanied British service should have been decided by then if a delay in the completion of the barracks is to be avoided.

18. Married Accommodation

There is at present a general shortage of accommodation in Hong Kong and the Services are experiencing difficulty in obtaining sufficient hirings to meet requirements. As far as the Army is concerned, the principal problem is in Kowloon where the situation is being aggravated by the need to rehouse Gurkha families from Whitfield Barracks which reverts to the Hong Kong Government in September 1969, and also by the considerable overposting (consequent on unit amalgamation) of 1 RWF which is going to Gunclub Barracks in July 1969. However, the position will shortly be eased by further acquisition and should be largely resolved by next year.

Defence Contribution Agreement

19. Funds. The 1966 Agreement included payment by the Hong Kong Government of £600,000 per year for 4 years ending 31st March 1971 for major works services for the Army. This sum is fully committed and Treasury have already under- written extra expenditure on refurbishing camps for Gurkhas. Some additional funds may also be required to cover other services and the position is being kept under review, by MOD in conjunction with MPBW. Progress on works services is not being affected by any possible shortage of funds.

20. Consequent on the 1966 Agreement the PWD took over responsibility for planning and execution of all works services for British Forces. MPBW retain overall control and have a liaison element in Hong Kong.

ROYAL AIR FORCE

21. The Commander of the Far East Air Force has full command of RAF units in Hong Kong Under the system of Unified Command in Hong Kong, the Commander British Forces (CBF) has operational command of permanently assigned RAF forces and operational control of those forces which may be assigned on a temporary basis. This command is exercised through the Officer Commanding Royal Air Force Kai Tak who, as one of the three Service Commanders, is also required to provide advice to the CBF on air matters.

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