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The role of the five Mine Countermeasure Vessels (MCNVs) is to
give direct support to meritime police patrols to prevent the influx of refugees by sea and to contribute to the control of piracy and smuggling.
3. There are limited shore facilities available in HMS TAMAR.
9.
a
The Future. Because of the long reinforcement time from UK, second frigate will be deployed to Hong Kong from the end of 1971. To support the frigates and MCVs, one small tanker is required to guard against loss of commercial shore fuel facilities through strike action. A small increase in base facilities in HMO TAMAR will also be required.
The Army
10. Force Levels. The force level of 6 2/3rd units has to be maintained
Hong Kong under the terms of our agreement with the Hong Kong Government.
units may not be used for any operational commitment outside the Colony. In 1971 the force level will be increased to 7 2/3rd units to take account of the increased time it will take to reinforce the Colony when forces are
no longer available in Malaysia/Singapore for this purpose.
11.
Operational Plens
a. 51 Brigade is responsible for internal security on Hong Kong Island and in Kowloon. 48 Gurkha Brigade is responsible for the security of the frontier and internal security in the New Territories.
There are at present plans for reinforcing the garrison with up to four battalions and a brigade headquarters. In August 1971 when the force level in Hong Kong increases to 7 2/3rd units, reinforcement
The by a brigade headquarters and three battalions will be from UK. reinforcement will take nine days to complete but the first battalions wibl be deployed in three days.
Training and Exercises
12.
a.
Training in Hong Kong is limited in scope by the geography of the colony. It is centred around the operational roles; internal security, counter revolutionary warfare, and border disputes.
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