TNAG-0539-FCO40-634-Strength-of-garrison-in-Hong-Kong-1975 — Page 131

CONFIDENTIAL CONFIDENTIAL

ပါ

detailed studies have still to be conducted. Redundancy has

therefore been only provisionally assessed. In the region

of 6,000 all ranks are likely to be involved, of which about

a quarter are expected to be officers. Officers mainly

affected will be those aged between 40 and 50 in 1980, but

some in the 30 to 40 age bracket may be included. Soldier

redundancy will affect mainly Warrant Officers and NCOs with

more than 10 years service. All those declared redundant

will receive a minimum of six months' notice, and those

selected for compulsory redundancy will retain their normal

right of appeal. An announcement giving full details of the

first phase of the programme will be made in December 1975,

and the first officers and soldiers will leave in October 1976.

Royal Air Force: The number being made redundant in the

Royal Air Force will be approximately 4,000 and this will

include 800 officers. In order to maintain a balanced Service

with good career potential, the programme, which will cover

a period of two years, will be largely compulsory though

there will be a voluntary element in it. At least six months'

notice will be given to those leaving the Service as a result

of redundancy and there will be provision for appeal against

compulsory selection. Full details of those selected for the

first phase of redundancy will be announced during the Summer

and the main outflow of officers and airmen will begin towards

the end of the year. It may be that some will wish to leave

earlier and this should be possible in certain cases.

Full facilities for resettlement advice and assistance will be

provided for those returning prematurely to civilian life.

68.

Notwithstanding these reductions and redundancies, we shall

I-31

CONFIDENTIAL CONFIDENTIAL