TNAG-0539-FCO40-634-Strength-of-garrison-in-Hong-Kong-1975 — Page 178

CONFIDENTIAL

CONFIDENTIAL

OTHER ARMY COMBAT FORCES

15. This category comprises land forces stationed overseas to

meet the "nited Kingdom's Commonwealth and international commitments

as follows:

Я. The Far East. Britain's land forces contribution in

Singapore in support of the Five Power Defence Arrange- ments at present consists of a small brigade headquarters.

an infantry battalion group and appropriate logistic elements. They will be withdrawn by April 1976 although Britain will continue to subscribe to the Arrangements. 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 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. These forces in Cyprus will be reduced towards their pre-crisis

An infantry levels as soon as the security situation allows.

battalion forms the major part of the Gibraltar garrison. In Malta, the Army continues to support the Royal Marine Commando.

III

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CONFIDENTIAL

CONFIDENTIAL