SECRET
20
Mr. Wilford
You should be aware of the attached paper regarding the possible effect of future British Land Force levels in South-East Asia and Brunei on the post 1971 Hong Kong garrison.
2
are:
3.
The aspects which we have to watch in this exercise
(1) To ensure that if the present policy of increasing the Hong Kong garrison to 73 major units by the end of 1971 is changed (i.e. if it is decided to maintain the garrison at its present level of 63 major units instead (it cannot be reduced below 6 units), there is an adequate reinforcement potential from within the Far Eastern theatre.
(2) To ensure that in future the "mix" of
British and Gurkha troops in the garrison is not too heavily weighed on the side of the Gurkhas. The Governor in conversation with us at the end of last year said that he would be willing to accept four "teeth arm" Gurkha units in the garrison (i.e. a garrison of 73 major units), although he would have preferred one more British
and one less Gurkha unit.
Since the recommendation in the attached draft paper is to the effect that the present policy of increasing the garrison to 7 should stand, I do not think it necessary to refer to the Governor at this stage. But if there should be any proposal which represents a major departure from present arrangements and plans, then we should certainly want an opportunity to consult the Governor. You will note from paragraph 8 of Mr. Thomas' minute of 19 August attached that the final draft of the paper is to be discussed by the Chiefs of Staff on 9 September. This is a matter which I think Mr. Laird might well discuss with the Governor when he goes to Hong Kong on 1 September.
SECRET
M
(A. W. Gaminara)
Hong Kong Department
20 August, 1970
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