TNAG-0252-FCO40-288-Strength-of-Hong-Kong-garrison-1970 — Page 134

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DOP Note 706/70

Draft Continued)

With the approach of Autumn and the season for large scale Warsaw

Pact (WP) exercises we might expect the WP military capability and

consequently the threat against NATO to increase.

There is

therefore a strong operational requirement for this unit to be

returned to Germany as early as possible. This is also important

for political reasons. If necessary it could remain until

29 October 1970 to complete a 4 month tour.

12. 45 Cdo RM was deployed to Northern Ireland on 1 June for a

period of 2 months which was subsequently extended to 3 months.

Many of the men have only recently returned from the Far East or are

due to go there. It would therefore create hardship if the unit

were to be retained in Northern Ireland any longer than the end of

August 1970 by which time it should be withdrawn so as to carry out

Arctic training in readiness for Exercise CLOCKWORK 71; a northern

flank NATO exercise. 45 Cdo RM would need to be relieved by

41 Cdo RM, but this in turn would have the serious implication of

cancelling its promulgated 3 month deployment to the Mediterranean

in HMS ALBION, including participation in the NATO exercise DEEP EXPRESS from 7 - 28 October and a bilateral UK/French exercise, in mid November, unless it can be relieved by an Army unit or by a FEC Commando by 27 September. Such a cancellation would be likely to creata a bad image for us in the Southern Region and would cast doubt on the credibility of our offer of amphibious forces to the South. In view of the absence of any UK amphibious presence in the Mediterranean in 1971 due to the Far East rundown, the withdrawal of a Commando from DEEP EXPRESS would mean there would be a gap of 3 years from 1969 before a major unit would again be able to take part in this annual exercise. Furthermore, much planning has already taken place in close coordination with US amphibious forces and the exercise operation order has been issued. Our withdrawal at this late date would cause considerable disruption.

13. In summary therefore:

a.

b.

1 D and D should return to Malta by 10 September 1970.

16 Lt AD Regt RA may be left in Northern Ireland to

complete a 4 month unaccompanied tour ie until 29 October 1970.

4

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