SECRET 高度機密
The Military have a role of their own for which they are prepared by training and experience, and this cannot be assumed by the Police completely. In addition, if wide-spread unrest were accompanied by words or action from Peking that suggested that a change of sovereignty was possible, the continued effectiveness of the Police could not be relied on without the psychological and physical support of the garrison.
38. Given the number of Police riot companies which are now available, the proposed reduction in the strength of the present garrison from 6 2/3 major units to 5 2/3 units is acceptable, though there would need to be a reinforcement of the garrison if the disturbances were widespread or continued for any prolonged period.
39.
Were the garrison to be further reduced by one major unit to 4 2/3, the Police would be obliged to form a further 5 riot companies. This could be done but, since they would be drawn from the strength required for normal maintenance of law and order, it would be at the expense of these activities. Subject to this price being paid, the additional riot companies would be effective in the IS role, provided they had the support of the Armed Services in the ways described above. But with a garrison of only 4 2/3 major units such support could only be counted on if major disturbances did not occur simultaneously in all three main areas of potential disturbance (paragraph 9). Therefore, in the Working Party's view, the formation of additional riot companies would only provide the necessary degree of security in case of a reduction to 4 2/3 major units:
a.
b.
On the assumption that simultaneous major disturbances in all areas remain unlikely, and
If a reinforcement battalion could be provided in less than the 3 weeks now envisaged, with preferably some further reinforcement capability available if required.
16
G.F. 316
SECRET 高度機密
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