TNAG-0536-FCO40-631-Strength-of-garrison-in-Hong-Kong-1975 — Page 28

SECRET UK EYES A

JP Noto 201/75(0)(Ureliminary Draft) (Continued)

However, as the redeployment of the battalion is dependant

on decisions concerning the Hong Kong garrison the post- ponement would be administratively convenient, particularly

as the Sultan pays the full cost of the battalion while it

is on his territory. Further negotiations with the Sultan

are planned for March 1975, and until the outcome of these

are known detailed planning is impractical. Other withdrawal

plans are not affected.

Singapore

15. The Prime Minister of New Zealand has requested that we

consider extending our rundown until the end of 1976.

Although no reply has been given planning continues for withdrawal by 1 April 1976.7 Bilateral UK/NZ talks are being held in Singapore in February to discuss the disengagement

of our mutual logistic arrangements and the possibility of some

UK personnel remaining in Singapore until

December 1976_7 to

assist the New Zealanders to set up a national logistic organisation. 7

Gan

16.

Although withdrawal from Gan will in itself pose

few problems it will depend to a degree upon the programme

for removing our forces from Singapore and will necessitate other

arrangements for the support of Hong Kong. The Prime Minister

of the Maldives took the news without apparent surprise although

6

SECRET UK EYES A