TNAG-0252-FCO40-288-Strength-of-Hong-Kong-garrison-1970 — Page 124

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

and one in Brunei.

There would be no requirement for the fifth

battalion in SE Asia and Hong Kong and it could then be

available to be stationed in the UK where it could assist the

British Army in meeting some of its commitments(3).

Deduction

18. We deduce that although it would be feasible to double

earmark the battalions in Singapore and Brunei for the rapid

reinforcement of Hong Kong and thus reduce the permanent size

of the Hong Kong garrison to 6 major units, we consider

that this is undesirable if it can be avoided. Not only may

ther be political objections to double earmarking these

battalions for this purpose but also the practical constraints

lead to difficulties, including notice for movement and

training limitations.

19. In principle, therefore, we believe that the Hong Kong

garrison should be maintained at a permanent strength of 7 major

units. This certainly requires the continued presence of a fifth

Gurkha battalion which we have recently agreed in principle (3).

Only if financial constraints lead to the necessity of reducing

the Brigade of Gurkhas to four battalions would we advocato,

as a fall back position, the reduction of the Hong Kong

Noto:

3. COS 21st Meeting 15/7/70

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