TNAG-0370-FCO40-416-Visit-of-Edward-Heath--UK-Prime-Minister--to-Hong-Kong--12-1-1973 — Page 44

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THIS DOCUMENT IS THE PROPERTY OF HER BRITANNIC MAJESTY'S GOVERNMENT

PMV(HK)(74)11

COPY NO

34

14 December 1973

PRIME MINISTER'S VISIT TO HONG KONG

12th-14th JANUARY 1974

DEFENCE

Brief by Foreign and Commonwealth Office

The Garrison

1. The garrison assists the Hong Kong Government and the police

to control the frontier and to maintain security throughout the

Colony.

2. The teeth arm force level has remained at 64 major units

since 1968:

UK Infantry Battalions

Gurkha Infantry Battalions

UK Light Artillery Regiment

UK Armoured Reconnaissance

2

3

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1

Squadron

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Gurkha Independent Field

Squadron

3. 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.

4. 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

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