TNAG-0617-FCO40-765-Strength-and-cost-of-UK-armed-forces-stationed-in-Hong-Kong-1977 — Page 72

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CONFIDENTIAL

Force are also well advanced and it is now possible to see more clearly the extent to which closer integration resulting from co- location, and thus economies, will be possible. In the interests of finalising staff and domestic planning, it is necessary to review decisions previously taken as to senior rank structure in order that decisions covering the remaining years of the present DCA can be taken.

Aim

4. The aim of this paper is to review decisions previously taken as regards the senior Royal Navy and Royal Air Force posts in Hong Kong with a view to confirming the command structure for the re- maining period of the DCA.

Status of the Services in Hong Kong

5. By 1978, the size of the Hong Kong garrison overall will have been reduced to 79% of its 1975 level with reductions to the Royal Navy by 46%, the Army by 17% and the Royal Air Force by 63%. The probable strength of the Royal Navy will be 218 officers and UK ratings plus an LEP Division; the Royal Air Force 208 officers and men. The number of associated headquarters have already been reduced from six to four and the number of "stars" will have been progressively reduced from nine to four. The role of all three Services is more closely defined and is related in the main to the internal security and protection of the Colony and Colony waters.

6. The increased cost to Hong Kong and the reduction in the size of the garrison resulting from the DCA came as a shock to the Colony and focussed unaccustomed attention on the Services and levels of representation. The conclusion emerged that the garrison was both wanted and accepted as essential as evidence to China and the local community alike of HMG's commitment to Hong Kong and its internal and external security; but it was also established that the DCA changed the traditional position of the Services in the Colony which had hitherto been taken largely for granted so long as their cost fell mainly on HMG. The Services are seen now as having a vital role to play for which they must be provided with the necessary facilities. The Hong Kong Government are anxious for their part to ensure that the garrison is effective in its role, contented, and well housed but the Services' traditional position in the Colony is now seen as largely outmoded by present day practices and requirements. In particular personal status and precedence is no longer seen to apply to the extent it has done in the past and the question of rank needs to be considered against this background. This understandable and purely practical atti- tude of the Hong Kong Government need not affect the excellent relations which the Services at present enjoy with the Hong Kong Government provided no attempt is made to carry over into the new situation status and precedence which essentially belong to the old.

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CONFIDENTIAL