TNAG-0252-FCO40-288-Strength-of-Hong-Kong-garrison-1970 — Page 119

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UK EYES ONLY

DP 31/70(C)(Flimsy Draft)(Continued)

would be acceptable.

The feasibility of providing the immediate

reserve unit by double earmarking cither the Singapore or the

Brunei battalion is now examined.

Spearhead

FEASIBILITY OF DOUBLE EARMARKING

11.

For

The method of providing the reinforcement unit would be to nominate either the Singapore or the Brunei battalion as the spearhead unit, ie., it would be at 60 hours notice to move. this arrangement to be practicable both battalions would have to

be available so that a roster could be established.

be possible for one battalion alone to undertake a permanent spearhead commitment as it would have to be continuously at

60 hours notice to move.

It would not

Airlift

12. The ability to deploy the reinforcing battalion to Hong Kong within 72 hours would depend upon the airlift that could be made available. It will be possible to provide, from the

general capability of Air Support Command post 1971, an appropriate mix of long and medium range transport aircraft to move the personnel and freight of a battalion stationed either

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SECRET

UK EYES ONLY