TNAG-0477-FCO40-542-Strength-of-garrison-in-Hong-Kong-1974 — Page 64

CONFIDENTIAL COVERING SECRET

Reference....

Mr Male

DEFENCE REVIEW: FORCE LEVELS IN HONG KONG

63

1. As I mentioned at this morning's meeting, we have received a copy of a paper prepared by the Commander, British Forces, Hong Kong. His conclusion is, in effect, that the teeth arm strength of the garrison could be reduced from 6 2/3rds to 54 major units; but that it

Even this could not safely be reduced further. reduction is conditional on the maintenance of a prompt reinforcement capability.

2.

We are invited to comment.

My inclination however is not to do so at this stage. This is a technical paper which will clearly have to be considered in some

Our general depth by the Ministry of Defence experts. comments are being made separately. If the Ministry of Defence think that the force levels can safely be reduced further, then it is for them to justify how this could be done. Perhaps we should simply say that we do not propose to comment now on a fairly technical paper; but absence of comment does not necessarily mean agreement with the paper, and we reserve the right to comment later if necessary, perhaps after hearing the Governor's views.

3. This appears to be the only copy of the paper in the Office, and Defence Department would like it back.

31 July 1974

R.A. her

R B Crowson

Hong Kong & Indian Ocean Department

Mr Wilford

Mr Crowson

1.

Comments are requested by MOD by tomorrow.

2. I agree with Mr Crowson that we should not offer comments on this technical paper. The Governor has not given it his formal approval. Its argument rests on the number of troops on the ground required for deployment in particular areas. We are not competent to judge whether the proposals made are realistic in terms of the likely requirement for troops in support of the civil power in the areas listed.

/3.

CONFIDENTIAL COVERING SECRET