TNAG-0541-FCO40-636-Strength-of-garrison-in-Hong-Kong-1975 — Page 208

COS 1119/756

Chief of the Defence Staff

Chief of the Naval Staff Chief of the General Staff Chief of the Air Staff

Copy to:

PUS

CPL

DCDS (I)

DUS(P)

CONFIDENTIAL

Copy No

74

Ministry of Defence

PA

RECEIVED IN' REGISTRY No. 50

BD

515

-5 MAY

LKKIOL

MAY 1975

(4.8

ACDS (Pol)

ACDS (Ops) ACDS(S)

AUS(D Staff) AUS (NS) AUS(GS)

AUS(AS)

Head of DS 11

Head of DS 6

Head of DS 1

FCO (Defence Department)

FCO (HKIOD)

DEFENCE REVIEW HONG KONG FORCE REDUCTIONS

-

1.

It is unlikely that final agreement in the discussions between the British and Hong Kong Governments about the future force level in Hong Kong and its financing will be forthcoming before June 1975. However, you agreed (1) that some reduction in the garrison should be made by 1 April 1976 and instructed (2) Commander British Forces Hong Kong (CBFHK) to submit proposals.

2.

ACDS (Pol) has now examined these proposals (3) and, having consulted interested departments, recommends that CBFHK be informed that his proposals for reducing to the preferred force level by 1 April 1976 have been approved and are authorised for use as a basis for detailed planning, noting that the eventual level of forces in Hong Kong remains to be decided. ACDS (Pol) further recommends that CPL be invited, where necessary, to co-ordinate withdrawal planning in conjunction with Central and Single Service staffs.

CONFIDENTIAL