TNAG-0252-FCO40-288-Strength-of-Hong-Kong-garrison-1970 — Page 101

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ANNEX A to DP 31/70(C) (Draft) (Continued)

situation in SE Asia post 1971.

However it has been confirmed by

the Defence Intelligence Staff that the threat to Hong Kong, which was last assessed (8) in January 1958 has not changed

significantly. The land force levels must therefore remain at 7 major units unless an immediate reinforcing unit could be provided, in which case a fall in strength to 6 major units, but not below, would be acceptable. We have previously said that

we could not guarantee to deploy a reinforcement unit from the UK in 72 hours; we therefore examine the feasibility of providing

one by double earmarking the Singapore or Brunei battalion.

Spearhead

FEASIBILITY OF DOUBLE EARMARKING

11. The method of providing the reinforcement unit would be to nominate either the Singapore or the Brunei battalion as the spearhead unit, that is to say, it would have to arrive in Hong Kong within 72 hours and be at much shorter notice than that to

For this arrangement to be practicable both battalions

would have to be used so that a roster could be established.

would not be possible for one battalion alone to undertake a permanent spearhead commitment as it would have to be continuously

at short notice to move.

move.

It

Notes:

8. JIC (68) 15

A - 5

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