TNAG-0757-FCO40-961-Strength-of-UK-armed-forces-stationed-in-Hong-Kong-1978 — Page 43

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ANNEX A to

DP 1780) (Freliminary Draft) (Continuea

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shorter concurrent commitments to be undertaken without with-

drawing battalions from Europe, and without significantly

decreasing intervals between operational tours. One additional

battalion may be made available following current studies (20)

into the feasibility of maintaining a second in-role parachute

battalion in the UK. A second battalion could be made available

if a proposal ((21) to replace the infantry battalion in Gibraltar

by s amaller IS trained Artillery Regiment were approved.

longer term the MBFR negotiations may result in a smaller British

Army in Germany with consequent release of units for Priority Two

tasks. In the medium term however the only alternative to raising

two additional battalions, which we judge to be the minimum increase

to reduce damage to NATO, appears to be a re-organisation of the

tasking of existing units.

In the

62. Transport Aircraft. No additional Priority Two Commitment

can be undertaken by the ATF without detriment to other tasks

as bids for airlift already exceed available resources. A

relatively modest increase in the size of the ATF would however

create a markedly increased capability to respond to emergencies

or to accept commitments without increasing present penalties to

NATO. If aircrew were available, an additional 6 Hercules

aircraft would permit logistic resupply of a deployed battalion

group or permit a modest increase in the UK commitment to CENTO

without effect on the UK contribution to NATO. We believe

!

Notes:

20. PS/Prime Minister letter to Cabinet office dated 10 July 1978.

21. C in C Gibraltar 2136 of 18 August 1978 to CDS.

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