TNAG-0538-FCO40-633-Strength-of-garrison-in-Hong-Kong-1975 — Page 126

CONFIDENTIAL

3RD DRAFT

OTHER ARMY COMBAT FORCES

15. This category comprises land forces stationed overseas to

meet the "nited Kingdom's Commonwealth and international commitments

As follows:

!

a.

The Far East. In support of the Five Power Defence

Arrangements, Britain's land forces contribution in

Singapore at present consists of a small brigade headquarters,

an infantry battalion group and appropriate logistic elements.

They will be withdrawn during 1976 although the consultative

arrangements will remain. The Hong Kong garrison consists of

five infantry battalions, three of which are Gurkha battalions:

an artillery regiment; an armoured reconnaissance squadron:

and appropriate support units. The Government is discussing

with the Hong Kong Government the future size of the forces

and the arrangements for financing them.

Negotiations have

begun with the Government of Brunei about the withdrawal of

the Gurkha infantry battalion stationed there.

b. The Persian Gulf. The small British Military

Assistance Team will be withdrawn from Sharjah by 1 July 1975.

C. The Mediterranean. In Cyprus, the Army's contribution

to the United Nations' force is an infantry battalion,

an armoured reconnaissance regiment less one squadron, and

logistic support. The present garrison in the British

Sovereign Base Areas is two infantry battalions and an

armoured reconnaissance squadron, together with appropriate

logistic support units. An infantry battalion forms the

major part of the Gibraltar garrison.

III

10

CONFIDENTIAL