TNAG-0757-FCO40-961-Strength-of-UK-armed-forces-stationed-in-Hong-Kong-1978 — Page 9

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ANNEX A to DP 17/78(C)

Preliminary Draft)

UK CAPABILITY TO FULFIL PRIORITY TWO COMMITMENTS

INTRODUCTION

1.

Defence Policy decisions announced in 1975 (1) invalidated earlier strategic assumptions, force levels and capabilities, and led to the formulation of Defence Policy Guidelines (2).

It was considered that these would remain generally valid until 1985, although economic constraints and changing political circunstances could influence their. detailed interpretation.

Certain facets of Defence Policy were not addressed in the Guidelines as they had already been agreed as authoritative policy

in in 1974 Defence Review. These included the rationale for

strategic priorities and force levels, and overall resources

allocated to Defence. Also excluded on the grounds that they are subject to continuous and detailed review, were all aspects

of the threat and specific UK force levels both in the 1974

Defence Review context of the "Critical Level of Capability"

and for overseas commitments outside NATO.

2s As part of that review, and in the light of recent requests for reinforcement, contributions to United Nations forces and

interest in the UK capability to evacuate British citizens overseas, the Chiefs of Staff have called (3) for a review of the UK capability to fulfil Priority Two Commitments.

Notes:

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3.

Cird 5976

COS 10/75.

Terms

Statement on the Defence Estimates 1975.

ccs 1272/1730 dated 11 July 1978.

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