TNAG-0539-FCO40-634-Strength-of-garrison-in-Hong-Kong-1975 — Page 188

CONFIDENTIAL

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CYPRUS

32. Following the coup mounted in mid-1974 by the Greek Cypriot

National Guard and the subsequent Turkish landing, the resident

garrisons of the two British Sovereign Base Areas (SBAS) of

'

Akrotiri and Dhekelia were reinforced by an Army brigade headquarters,

one infantry battalion an armoured reconnaissance regiment, two

Royal Marines Commando Groups and many support units. A squadron

of RAF Phantoms, a Puma helicopter detachment and an RAF Regiment

Field Squadron as well as a number of HM Ships and Royal Fleet

Auxiliaries were also deployed to the island.

33. At the request of the United Nations' Secretary General the

size of the British contingent in the N Force in Cyprus was doubled

and played a significant role in the protection of Nicosia airfield.

34. The S B As became a have n for thousands of

homeless people of many nationalities, for whom the Army and the

Royal Air Force and the civilian members of the SBA Administration

unstintingly provided food and shelter. 4,500 people were escorted

Some 13,000 Service and

by the Army from Nicosia to Dhekelia.

civilian dependants and others were evacuated under Army protection

from Limassol, Larnaca and, with Royal Naval assistance, from

Famagusta. The Royal Navy rescued 1,500 people cut off in the

Kyrenia area by the Turkish advance and also saved the survivors of

a sunken Turkish destroyer. During July and August 22,000 people,

including, dependants of Servicemen and British-based civilians, were

evacuated in 360 RAF special flights to the United Kingdom. A71

these operations were executed with the highest order of efficiency

and professionalism, and earned great praise both at home and abroad.

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CONFIDENT IAL CONFIDENTIAL