TNAG-0252-FCO40-288-Strength-of-Hong-Kong-garrison-1970 — Page 15

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SECRET UK EYES ONLY,

ONLYNEX A TO

C.

DOP 535/70 (Draft) (Continued

Commencement of the main rundown a little earlier would

not only facilitate 3a above, but would also ease many

acute administrative problems and make it easier to avoid

lengthy periods of separation for families.

d. Economy.

CINCFE's Detailed Proposals

4. As a result of the greatly improved confidence with which the IS problems in Sirgapore can now be faced, CINCFE considers that the Gurkha battalion (1/2 GR) in Singapore, and the Australian and New

Zealand force there, would constitute a sufficient land combat

force to protect ANZUK property and personnel during the remainder

of the rundown. CINCFE therefore proposes that:

8. The date on which CICC (West) should assume complete

responsibility for Far East contingency plans should be

advanced to 1 Apr 71.

b. 3 Cdo Bde Gp and ▲ Sqn 14/20 H should be withdrawn,

starting in Apr 71.

C.

The FEC proposal (5) to cover the Gulf withdrawal with

one commando group from Singapore should not be considered

further.

d. The incoming land forces, which will constitute the

continuing UK presence in SE Asia post 1971, should replace

the outgoing land force without a gap in Aug/Sep 71.

Notes:

5. CINCFE 14/70 dated 11 May 1970

A - 2

SECRET UK EYES ONLY

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