TNAG-0477-FCO40-542-Strength-of-garrison-in-Hong-Kong-1974 — Page 73

18.

Immediate Requirement. Under the present comparatively relaxed circumstances, the bulk of one battalion can do the Border security duties. These duties require two companies deployed forward, to provide both cross border observation and immediate assistance to the Police, and a third company at comparatively short notice in barracks as a back-up and reaction force. A fourth company is required, as a matter of routine, for essential and permanent static guard duties on Hong Kong Island. The Border commitment has recently been confirmed in a joint study approved by HE The Governor. However, in order to allow units to have an adequate period away from the Border to train and carry out normal administration, the Border commitment requires a pool of the very minimum of four and, over a prolonged period, five units from which to draw. These can of course, in quiet periods, be the same units carmarked to back-up the Police in internal security operations in Kowloon and on the Island.

19.

There is also the requirement to be able to deter and, if necessary, to deal with limited incursions and other forms of local pressure along the Border. In 1967 when the situation on the Border became tense and the Police were attacked by automatic and sniper fire, it was found that two battalions across the whole width of the Border was the minimum force necessary to provide observation, the requisite degree of immediate assistance to the Police, and some deterrent to any further escalation of the situation. In any case, control of mass illegal immigration would require at least two full battalions to assist the Police. Moreover, in 1967 a close support battery was ostentatiously moved into fire positions

A similar every day as a show of determination and strength. / "demonstration" by a battery or the armoured reconnaissance

squadron might again be necessary.

20. There is no doubt that being able to deploy quickly with an effective force in the Border area, places the onus for instigating any aggressive action or direct clashes firmly on the other side. Moreover, by compelling the CPR, in any action they may take, to use a significant degree of force, it 'ups the ante' and provides a salutory reminder to any

A formuli ixresponsible provincial adventurer that he is unlikely to Herve the

be able to wrest any advantage without paying a price. CR.FA

(and of the last (BFS)

Such a capability to deter would also require at least two battalions in the Border area (with a third in reserve if the capability had to be sustained); and these once they were operating, would have to be largely free from any other IS commitments. Extra troops would certainly be required from the UK to achieve this, and the presence of a balanced force, including either some tillery or some armour, would be an added advantage, since it would give the force additional prestige and authority.

FORCE RESERVE, SUPPORTING AND ADMINISTRATIVE UNITS

21. The IS forces already assessed, before reinforcement, contain no reserve either local or central, and, for the border only a single reserve company would be available.

Each military