TNAG-0538-FCO40-633-Strength-of-garrison-in-Hong-Kong-1975 — Page 53

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as a result of an agreement between the Major NATO Commanders

concerned_7.

7. On this basis we are happy to offer occasional participation

in Naval exercises in the Mediterranean and participation in

the NATO Naval On-Call Force in the Mediterranean. We are also

ready to reintroduce the reinforcement options in the Southern

Region for the Special Air Services Regiment.

8. There are certain additional measures in the Southern Region

which we are prepared to discuss with the Alliance on the under-

standing that they could only be put into operation if this

could be done without significant peace-time costs for the UK.

This would of course be largely dependent on a very close degree

of co-operation with those of our Allies who would be prepared to

assist us with transport and with the necessary "host" facilities.

These measures would be temporary air deployments to the

Southern Region, the provision of offensive air support to North

East Italy and the reintroduction of an option for a land force

to deploy to North East Italy_7.

9. As regards the Northern Region, I acknowledge that our pro-

posals mean a reduction in the available reinforcements although

I must point out that we do intend to continue to offer reinforce-

ments of a strengthened brigade group together with a Royal Marines

Commando specially trained for Arctic warfare. As a compensatory

measure I am prepared to study further the earmarking for assign-

ment to the Northern Region (except for Northern Norway in

winter-time) the two Royal Marines Commandos which now form part

of the amphibious force, which we plan to retain, although no

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