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DRAFT
ANNEX B TO
DOP 535/70 (Final)
Secretary of State
1.
He
The intention of HMG to retain a UK military presence in SE
Asia has led CINCFE to recommend (1) a major reduction in the land
force element at present planned (2) to be in the area in 1971. considers, if it is politically acceptable, that an acceleration in
the planned rundown of FARELF would now not only be possible but
also very desirable. We have examined CINCHE's proposal and our
report is attached.
From the military point of view we agree in
principle with CINCFL's recommendation that the rundown of the Far
Last land forces should be accelerated, but it has important political
implications which need very careful consideration.
2. There are a number of military advantages to be gained by
withdrawing A Son 14/20 if and 3 Cdo Bde Gp, less 40 Cdo Sp, from 1
April 1971 as proposed by CINCFE. After the withdrawal of these
units sufficient forces would remain for protective duties in the
area.
3.
However, the withdrawal of 40 Cdo before November 1971 would
cause major administrative problems as no permanent accommodation
in UK will be available for it before then. We have therefore
proposed a compromise solution which is, in summary:
a. A Sqn 14/20 H, and 3 Cdo Bde Gp, less 40 Cdo Gp,
withdraw from 1 April 1971 as proposed by CINCFE.
Notes:
1.
2.
The incoming battalion group, which will form the land
element of the continued UK presence, arrives in Singapore
during the first two weeks of September 1971.
C. 1/2 GR moves from Singapore to Hong Kon, in September
1971, as proposed by CINCFE.
CINCFE 26/70 dated 1 October 1970
CINCFE 7/68 (A) (Second Revise) (including Amendment No 2)
B-1
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