TNAG-0476-FCO40-541-Strength-of-garrison-in-Hong-Kong-1974 — Page 56

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the potential for a limited reinforcement of ACE

including the AMF (L)

97. BAOR. Under the Brussels Treaty the UK is required to maintain BAOR at a peacetime level of 55,000 men. Its primary function is the defence of 65 km frontage assigned to 1 (BR) Corps. To come to a war footing BAOR depends on reinforcement by 67,000 regulars, TAVR and reservists from the UK. We assess that it should be

possible, subject to extensive restructuring of the Army and with some loss of flexibility, to reduce BAOR to about 50,000 men; but to do this outside the framework of MBFR would jeopardise the West's position in the negotiations. Similarly an overall reduction of about 30% of the Army's provision for new equipment (largely for BAOR), although painful and leading to markedly lower standards of efficiency, might just be tolerable. Any reduction in force levels or equipment below this would mean that the holding of the 1 (BR) Corps frontage would cease to be credible to the UK troops involved. to the allies, to SACEUR and above all to the enemy. Any reduction

in the frontage would automatically mean that other NATO countries would have to increase theirs, a commitment they probably have

neither the means nor the will to undertake.

98. Berlin. The UK contributes a brigade in Berlin under the

tripartite agreement; the FRG pays most of the bill. The tripartite forces are essential to the city's security and confidence, and there is no likelihood of the IIS or France increasing their

contributions if the K withdrew.

99.

Security of the UK Pase. The size and shape of our land forces are related largely to the need to ensure the security of the UK

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