TNAG-0538-FCO40-633-Strength-of-garrison-in-Hong-Kong-1975 — Page 135

CONFIDENTIAL,

3RD DRAFT

30.

Operation Centres are capable of operating independently

from other elements of UKADGE; and these facilities

together with a series of major improvements currently

being considered, will add to the ability of UKADGE to

withstand attack and improve its flexibility.

1. Skynet

The Skynet II Communications Satellite was success-

fully launched in November 1974 and is now operational.

BRITISH FORCES OPERATIONS AND EXERCISES

NORTHERN IRELAND

Throughout 1974, the Armed Services have continued to be

committed in Northern Ireland to help the civil power to uphold

law and order and to combat terrorism.

The Armed Services will

remain in Northern Ireland for as long and in such strength as the

maintenance of peace requires.

31. The beginning of 1974 saw the creation of a power-sharing

Fxecutive in Northern Ireland. The strike led by the Ulster Workers'

Council in May brought about its collapse. The Security Forces will

nevertheless continue to strive for conditions of peace and stability

in which the arrangements for a Constitutional Convention may go

ahead smoothly, with the objective of creating new institutions,

based on power-sharing, to replace the former Executive.

32. The Armed Services have pursued a steady campaign against

terrorism from whatever source. They have conducted it with the

utmost care to avoid unnecessary inconvenience to law-abiding

citizens. By their rigorous work throughout the year to frustrate

III

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