PA
Mateu 19/6 bu 20.6.70
This
20.5.70
兆
18.520
Mr Laird.
SECRET
11
Mr. Thomas (Defence Department)
You will see from the attached correspondence that we have been asked to provide an agreed state- ment (in conjunction with Far Eastern Department) on the political implications of the possible with- drawal of an infantry battalion from the Hong Kong garrison, in September 1970, on a temporary or permanent basis, for use in Northern Ireland.
2.
I have discussed with Mr. Appleyard and the following represent our agreed conclusions.
3. We consider that for the following reasons we should oppose the proposal:
(1)
Immediately following his visit to
Hong Kong in April, the Secretary of State recorded the following impressions:
Such
"I found a strong feeling throughout my
discussions in Hong Kong that the colony was, as it were, somewhat mis- understood and neglected by HMG. views derive in part from differences of view between us and Hong Kong on trade matters.
I think I was able to diminish this this feeling but I am sure we must take every opportunity to demonstrate our interest in and concern with the problems of Hong Kong" .
In
(11) Since, after the completion of the with-
drawal of British Forces from Singapore and Malaysia in 1971, it will no longer be possible to reinforce Hong Kong from that theatre, in time of need, the decision was taken to increase the strength of the Hong Kong garrison by one major army unit (i.e. one battalion) to 73 major army units in 1971. reply to enquiries on the subject it has been stated (on one occasion by the Prime Minister in Parliament) that there is no intention of allowing the withdrawal of British Forces from the Far East to affect either the strength or the effectiveness of the Hong Kong garrison. It would therefore not make sense to reduce the strength of the army elements in the garrison in September 1970 from its present strength of 63 major units to 53 major units.
SECRET
/(iii)
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