TNAG-0477-FCO40-542-Strength-of-garrison-in-Hong-Kong-1974 — Page 130

SECRET

The main elements in our NATO contribution are as follows;·

a.

Strategic Deterrent four muclear submarines each equipped

with sixteen Polaris missiles with British warheads. These

are committed to NATO but available for national use if

circumstances require,

bj Central Region – BAOR (established at about 58,000 men) provides an armoured force of three divisions, In war it would be strengthened by 10,000 regulars and 57,000 reservists from the United Kingdom. We also maintain a brigade (3,000 men) in Berlin, the cost of which is mainly borne by the Federal Republic of Germany. RAF Germany provides a force of strike/attack, reconnaissance, air defence aircraft and helicopters to 2 ATAF. Strike/attack

and reconnaissance aircraft based in the UK and the Mediterranean

are also allocated to SACKUR,

ä,

Maritime We provide a balanced fleet capable of the full range of naval operations (anti-summarine warfare, surface warfare, anti-air and mine warfare) with supporting air elements. Apart from France, the UK is the only European nation to maintain a major ocean-going navy and we provide the main element of NATO

maritime defence in the Eastern Atlantic and Channel Commands.

We also make a naval and maritime air contribution in the Mediterranean and provide facilities for NATO in Malta and

Gibraltar.

Security of the UK Base We provide fighter and airborne early

warning aircraft and radar stations for the defence of the UK,

and adjacent sea areas as an integral part of SACEUR's air defence system. The UK Land Forces woulâ, in war, provide support for BAOR as well as undertaking home defence tasks.

Reinforcement and Amphibious Forces - Since 1968 we have made

available to NATO

i. ́ An amphibious force, The Royal Marine Commando

Brigade with supporting ships and helicopters.

ii. The UK Mobile Force.. 3 Air-portable Brigade Groups

with supporting offensive and transport aircraft;

iii.

Allied Command Europe Mobile, ForCŮ, The UK contributes a battalion group and offensive support aircraft to this multi-national forcè,

iv. UK Joint Airborne Task Force, 1 Parachute Brigade with

associated transport aircraft,

5

SECRET