TNAG-0479-FCO40-544-Strength-of-garrison-in-Hong-Kong-1974 — Page 80

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ANNEX D (Continued)

5.

other and cheaper means of transport needs further study, but in the longer term there will be a loss of the ability to poise an amphibious force and to land troops tactically at company strength by helicopters on the Northern Flank.

b.

Orders for new construction ships will be cut by 25% and the subsequent reductions include a significant number of escorts and support ships.

C. A number of ships will have to be disposed of prematurely with the loss of a considerable period of remaining ship life.

d. The weapon development programmes will have to be reduced by 20%.

AD 70.

The major AD 70 measures affected are that:

The United Kingdom will no longer be able to contribute to NAVOCFORMED, or, if formed, to STANAVFORMED.

6.

b. An MCM support ship can no longer be earmarked to SACEUR.

Basic Issues.

Further detailed studies, particularly concerning War Reserve Stocks, are

necessary. An offset ECM jammer system will be cancelled.

Army

7.

In selecting equipment economies priority will continue to be given to AD 70 Force Improvements and the Basic Issues, with particular emphasis on the anti-armour, mobile air defence, war reserves and

D 2

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