TNAG-0757-FCO40-961-Strength-of-UK-armed-forces-stationed-in-Hong-Kong-1978 — Page 44

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ANNEX A to

DP 17/78(C)(Preliminary Draft)

Continued

that an increase in the size of the ATF is the only method by

which the UK capability to sustain prolonged Priority Two

operations can be enhanced. Re-organisation is inappropriate, as

the force is already fully stretched.

Effects on NATO

63. Any additional resources which might be made available,

either by re-organisation within existing resource allocation,

by adjustment to resource allocation or by provision of

additional resources would attract immediate attention within

the Alliance. Were additional Priority Two resources established

and maintained purely for National tasks disadvantages are foreseen.

First, the United Kingdom would obtain no credit within the

Alliance as the retention of national forces for national tasks

is regarded with little sympathy in NATO. Secondly SACEUR would

probably prefer to have such forces assigned or earmarked to

him but would then accept that they could be withdrawn and

used for Priority Two tasks when required. In any event,

whether or not additional resources were made available, and

given the likelihood of continued understanding by the MNCs,

it would again he important to keep the UK Military and Political

Delegations to NATO very fully informed.

A - 36

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