TNAG-0541-FCO40-636-Strength-of-garrison-in-Hong-Kong-1975 — Page 222

6060 HQBF

14 April 1975

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REDUCTIONS IN HONG KONG

INTRODUCTION

1.

Discussions are proceeding between the British Government and the Hong Kong Government about the future force level in

Hong Kong and its financing. It is unlikely that final

agreement on the long term force levels will be forthcoming

before June 1975. Meanwhile the Chiefs of Staff have agreed that some reductions can be made by 1 April 1976 and have instructed Commander British Forces Hong Kong to submit his outline proposals to achieve these reductions (1).

2. The preferred force level after 1 April 1976, which is

currently approved by the Chiefs of Staff and which is reflected in CBF's proposals, is to be:

3.

a. Royal Navy

b.

c.

Army

RAF

1 Frigate

3 Patrol Craft

5 2/3 units capable of operating in the

infantry role

28 Sqn

444 SU (Skynet communications)

While reductions to this force level can be achieved by

1 April 76 it will be appreciated that the eventual composition of the Army element of the garrison will not be completed until later when the substitution of a Gurkha battalion for the

second UK infantry battalion, the reorganisation of the command structure and the adjustments to associated support elements have taken place. These subsequent adjustments fall outside the scope of this paper.

(1) COS 1053/1301/2 dated 25 February 1975

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