TNAG-1941-FCO40-2767-Future-of-Hong-Kong-defence-and-public-order-1989 — Page 58

SECRET UK EYES A

62.

Staff Training for F&C Countries. Third World demand for

staff training is increasing, with the expansion of forces and

the advent of complex weapons systems; indeed, it is often a pre- condition of equipment purchase. There is only limited UK capacity to satisfy this, and we are seeking ways of providing the extra capacity which will ensure that this classic means of

projecting influence is not lost to competitor nations. This is already succeeding in the provision of short-term staff training

teams to Africa, but we need to examine the scope for increasing

F&C places at UK staff colleges or even the need for establishing

an Overseas Senior Officer's War Course.

OVERSEAS GARRISONS/PEACEKEEPING FORCES

63.

CYPRUS. The new joint Headquarters British Forces Cyprus

(HQBFC), formed on 1 July 1988, implemented the findings of the

logistic review conducted by ACDS (L) in 1988 by combining

logistic functions corresponding to CDS's Defence priorities in three joint service logistic units. These formed on ↑ August

1989. HQBFC will be the subject of a joint DAMA/F11 (Air) audit

in September 1990 and a review of the logistic units is planned

for early 1991. COS have approved (Footnote: COS 16th Mtg/89,

Minute 104) the proposed relocation of the Gibraltar Resident

Battalion (GRB) to Cyprus in early 1991.

64. Belize. The People's United Party assumed power in the

September elections and present indications are that the new administration has no wish to change the defence arrangement, the

Joint Commission mechanism or the current proposals for the new capital aid programme. The manning problems currently being experienced by the British Army have initiated close examination

of force levels in the garrison, and whilst a decision about the

precise MMS of the infantry battalion has yet been taken, it has now been agreed that the field battery manning may be marginally

decreased whilst retaining the same size of battery in theatre.

In August, the US administration undertook to restore to the BDF

the MAP aid cut last year and this, coupled with UK financial assistance which has now been put on a a firmer footing, has

SECRET UK EYES A

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