TNAG-0252-FCO40-288-Strength-of-Hong-Kong-garrison-1970 — Page 123

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UK EYES ONLY

DP 31/70(C)(Flimsy

Draft) (Continued)

b. Option 2. To take advantage of the feasibility of

double earmarking the Singapore and Brunei battalions and

maintain the Hong Kong garrison at the current strength of

63 major units.

Option 1

CONSIDERATION OF OPTIONS

16. Under this option the garrison would be at the currently

There would be no need planned strongth of 7 major units.

to double earmark the Singapore and Brunei battalions and the possible political options to their use in a national commitment

would not arise; nor would the two units be subjected to the

constraints associated with spearhead duty.

requirement for a battalion from UK to replace the Spearhead

battalion under double carmarking.

There would be no

Five Gurkha battalions would

be required for this option of which four would be in Hong Kong

and one in Brunei.

Option 2

17. If the problems associated with double carmarking are

accepted, the garrison could be kept at its current strength of

Three Gurkha battalions would be in Hong Kong

6 major units.

10

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