TNAG-0252-FCO40-288-Strength-of-Hong-Kong-garrison-1970 — Page 99

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ANNEX A to DP 31/70(C) (Draft) (Continued,

5. It has been accepted policy for some time that two of the battalions in Hong Kong should be British in order to demonstrate the commitment of the UK to maintaining the security of the

colony with all that this entails for the morale of the local population, the garrison itself and the civil authorities

especially the police.

Current Reinforcement Plans

6.

To meet an IS threat, there is a plan (5) to reinforce Hong Kong by one battalion from Singapore/Malaysia within 72 hours of the first warning of the requirement being given; this being the time by which the garrison would need relief in order to rest. The possibility of deploying this immediate reserve unit from UK was examined in 1968 (4); but, although the move could be achieved theoretically in 72 hours, all the conditions such as overflying

This was therefore not clearances, could not be guaranteed. considered further. There are also plans (6) for additionally reinforcing Hong Kong with up to three infantry battalions and

a reduced brigade headquarters.

Presently Planned Force Levels post 1971

7.

In our previous study we concluded (4) that it would be. necessary to bring the land force level of the Hong Kong garrison

Notes:

4.

5.

COS 23/68

JTP (FE) 75

JTP (FE) 67 and RTP (W) 28

A 3

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