TNAG-0369-FCO40-415-Visit-of-Edward-Heath--UK-Prime-Minister--to-Hong-Kong--12-1-1974 — Page 153

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SECRET

SECRET

DRAFT

DEFENCE

CKGROUND

The Garrison

The garrison assists the Hong Kong Government and the police

to control the frontier and to maintain security throughout the

Colony.

The teeth arm force level has remained at 6 major units

since 1968 :

UK Infantry Battalions

Gurkha Infantry Battalions

UK Light Artillery Regiment

UK Armoured Reconnaissance

Squadron

Gurkha Independent Field

Squadron

2

2

3

1

The total strength, including supporting units and locally

entered personnel, was 10,898 as at 31 October 1973. Of this figure,

4,097 are UK personnel and 5,645 are Gurkhas.

Prior to 1970, an infantry battalion in Singapore had been

earmarked in contingency plans as an immediate reserve for Hong

Kong. In view of the more stable situation in the Colony and the

improved capability of the police, it was decided in 1970 that the

need could be met by earmarking a battalion in the UK able to

deploy to Hong Kong within 7 days.

In addition to bir

garrison, the RN maintain a frigate

and 5 minesweepers at Hong Kong; RAF force levels are 8 Wessex

helicopters and a Flight and Section of the RAF Regiment.

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