TNAG-0476-FCO40-541-Strength-of-garrison-in-Hong-Kong-1974 — Page 96

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Russ

Sir D Watson

Watson

DEFENCE REVIEW: HONG KONG

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Retum to HKIOD

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Annex J of the final draft report of the Defence Studies Working Party, which is about to be submitted to Permanent Under- Secretaries, contains the following key passages on Hong Kong:

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"(i) We would aim to reduce the cost of our forces by a

half, at the same time accepting a much lower capability to reinforce in a hurry, relying on the Westabout route and civilian aircraft. Attempts would be made to persuade Hong Kong to contribute more as from 1976 to the cost of keeping this reduced military presence. ."; and

...

"... Option A2 [above] is likewise only a practical

proposition to the extent that it can be conducted

in such a way as to preserve confidence in the Colony's future. It will be difficult but not impossible to manage this. ...'

It

In his discussions with the Permanent Under-Secretary, with Mr Thomson, and with the Ministry of Defence (including Mr Rodgers), the Governor has taken the line that some reduction of the Hong Kong garrison may be possible. This reflects the fact that external relations with China are now on a more peaceful footing. However a sufficient force must be kept to maintain internal security, including internal confidence. The size of force necessar, for this must be a matter for technical military judgment. Some factors, including the opening of the cross harbour tunnel, may suggest a smaller force than hitherto. Others, like the creation of the new towns, may demand a larger one. But it is relevant that, the last time the Army had to be called out to cope with a major internal security threat, in 1967, 63rds units, the size of the present force, had to be deployed.

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This suggests that, when the military assessment is made, it may indicate a need for a force for internal security purposes, that is not much smaller than the present garrison. The removal of

a rapid reinforcement capability would, of course, underline the

need for caution. Rear Admiral Morton, the Assistant Chief of

/Defence Staff Policy,

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