UKA EYES A
but noted that the position will need to be reviewed prior to the withdrawal of the Gurkha battalion from Brunei and that the threat will have to be kept under review. subsequently ondorsed by the DOPC.
This was
7. The working party also identified 3 RN patrol craft and an artillery battery as additional desirable elements of the garrison. Whilst recognising the military advantages of both these elements the Chiefs of Staff endorsed the working party's assessment that they were desirable rather than essential and considered that neither could be justified in light of the heavy financial constraints on the UK defence budget. It was concluded that should the Hong Kong Government press for either element to be included, they could be provided if the Hong Kong Government bore the
full cost.
8u The Governor has asked more recently that the 5 patrol craft option be kept open until the negotiations are concluded and has subsequently reported that the opinion of his advisers is now hardening in favour of the 5 patrol craft option.
9. In the light of the revised force levels recommended and the need to reduce support costs, the Chiefs of Staff examined the command structure in Hong Kong and have agreed that, although CBFHK should continue for the time being as a Lieutenant General's appointment, following the force reductions the post should be held by a Major General. The appointment of Deputy Commander Land Forces will be discontinued and a post of Deputy Commander British Forces introduced; this will be held by a one-star Army Officer, who will also be the Chief of Staff Headquarters British Forces. The Senior RN and RAF Officers will, in future, be of Captain and Group Captain rank or below. (The first Captain-in-Charge Hong Kong took up his appointment on 29th September and it is planned that the Air Commander will be replaced by a Group Captain on tour expiry early in 1977).
SEORE-14 NYÉS A
SERGIO STYL
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