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From Lieutenant Gonurzi Sir John Archer KCR OBE
Commander Amish Forces
MRSTAY OF DRINGE
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Hoedquards British Forces
CHIEF OF
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Hong Kon
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9. 51
12 JUL 1977
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Hong Kong 5-22220Asst Sec...
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Admiral of the Fleet Sir Edward Ashmore GCB DSC.
Chief of the Defence Staff
Ministry of Defence
Main Building
Whitehall
London SW1A 21B
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HONG KONG DEVINCE COSTS AGREEMENT.
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June 197
AFCO Hong Kon Don
Mr Mitton or to berly encrally
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Thank you for your letter 2051/1 dated 22 June. confidently assure you on the points raised in it.
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Copy File No 236340
The Governor's concern in suggesting that the workload in relation to the size of the Garrison should be reviewed is on iv that British and Curkha battalions alike should not be unreasonably overburdened. The facts are that, since the withdrawal of 2 GREN GDS without relief in December 1976, there has been a considerable measure of stretch in infantry battalions whose duties have differed in no way from those carried out prior to reduction or the Garrison ly more than one third to DCA levels. Steps to mitigate the situation required the Governor's agreement and this brought the question of workload to his attention.
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It is my view that the resident Garrison is already at fis minimum level and the Governor shares my view. He wished to Le re-assured that it was not too low and I replied in terms that, long as circumstances do not change and given a period of adjustment and rotation of battalions, I was reasonably confident that no change to the size of the Garrison need be contemplated. I am hope- ful of confirming that statement on behalf of all three Services in April next year when he has asked to be kept informed although there may have to be some curtailment of Service activities, fox example by the Royal Air Force at weekends since they are esta- blished on the operational basis of a five day week.
As to details of manpower adjustments, I see no danger ti at projections of manpower variations will be interpreted as firm undertakings. I am on record to the Governor that reductions un one area may be offset by increases elsewhere and officials in Government here recognise that manpower reviews are an on-goiug Sus process which must result in constant variation of the finely SCDs A drawn figures in the MOU to the DCA.
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