TNAG-0538-FCO40-633-Strength-of-garrison-in-Hong-Kong-1975 — Page 78

SECRET UK A

200

*

PP Jota 201 (75(0) (Revised Dectul (Continued)

Other withdrawal plans are not likely to be affected, provided

the roulement due in February 1976 is included in the Gurkha

trooping contract.

8. Hong Kong Final agreement on the size of the future 'reduced' garrison will not be reached until at least May 1979.5

However, in the interests of achieving the critical level of

defence expenditure the Hong Kong garrison should be reduced

to the Chiefs of Staff's recommended level, including 53 teeth

em units, (8) by 1 April 1976. Airlift availsbility end obler

withdrawals require the reductions to be made in the first

quarter of 1976 and key dates have been chosen accordingly.

CBF Hong Kong should be invited to submit his outline proporale,

9.

Singanore

Although it may be necessary to leave up to 50

men to assist in setting up the New Zealand logistic organizedzi on

after the main body of United Kingdom forces have vithden), de

reurins HMG's intention otherwiso to complete the withdrawal by

1 April 1976. The total number of personnel including depend "ats

to be repatriated from Singapore is about 6500. It has bout

necessary to advance some of £10 Singapore's proposed key does

by several months to effect the main withdrawal in the period

August-December 1975. All teeth arm units are planned to withderw

by the end of 1975.

Note:

8. COS 19th Meeting/74 Item

5-

SECRET UK EYES A