TNAG-0546-FCO40-641-Strength-of-garrison-in-Hong-Kong-1975 — Page 19

CONFIDENTIAL

G

2

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be

if

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used in an act of "fascist aggression" On the other hand, insurrection could clearly be shown to be Russian inspired the Chinese would be more than content for troops from Hong-Kong- to play a part in putting it down. (I gather from what you said and Vila telegram no 437 that neither scenario fits the situation in the New Hebrides). Mr Male pointed out that there are British forces in Brunei but he strongly advised against thinking of using them. I understand that Lord Goronwy-Roberts is about to embark on difficult negotiations with the Sultan of Brunei and any move to. detach British forces from his territory at t is time would be politically very difficult, if not impossible. Mr O'Neill observed that if it came to a question of drawing on the British Garrison in Hong Kong it would be very advisable to use British units and not the Gurkhas. I must emphasise that I have not consulted those who expressed views at Mr Male's meeting and would not wish to be thought to be speaking for them.

31 December 1975

D. F. Millen

D F MILTON

Hong Kong and Indian Ocean Dept

cc:

Mr Bullock

Pacific Dependent Territories Dept

I would red me

from

this :-

a) of hire were

an insurrection

e.

the situation in the

Vila tel 437

and Mines this

www

last sentence of para 5 (sic)

7

devied tent Buitisk forces must go in, it would not be impossible

I draw on Buticle F

mini muua

(not buckha) hoops in Itrug hong da ate

puied to ustre nda;

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abb) the diffually of demwing

Pacific area fre

A

on

British forces anywhere in te

louge term prescue

second half of paras Вагаб

of Vila tel 437- would be so great that we ought to look prive contingent, but in

for an alternative, preferably

extremis

military contingent from Britain;

we must consult the various is ROD in prepiring my

c) whation the contingency, Far Easter Depto Перей

as well

CONFIDENTIAL

submission)| hd 31/12

1.