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Mr. Carter
TOP SECRET
Reference.
At (59A) there is an extract from the record of
a discussion (dated 16 October) on internal security
and related matters which the Minister had during his
visit to llong Kong in October. The extract records
the Minister's intention to pursue the question of
maintaining fighter aircraft in Hong Kong to challenge
intrusion.
2.
This matter is referred to at paragraphs 13-16
of the aide memoire dated 19 October prepared by the
Defence Planning Staff for the Chiefs of Staff
meeting on 24 October.
The ai e memoire records
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the combined view of the Governor and Commander,
British Forces Hong Kong, that there should be a
permanent fighter and helicopter presence in Hong Kong.
It also records a recommendation by the C. in C.
Far East, that "in view of the practical difficulties
of maintaining a permanent fighter presence and of providing effective interception, the M.O.D.(Air)
should examine the desirability of stationing
fighters in the medium and long term".
3. The Chiefs of Staff met on 24 October but it
seems that they were more concerned at that meeting
with the problem of accompanied and unaccompanied
tours for relief Service units posted to Hong Kong
and there is no indication in the record of the
meeting that the subject of a fighter presence was
discussed.
4. Mr. Henn, M.O.D., tells me that it is unlikely
that early action will be taken on the C. in C.
Far East's recommendation referred to in paragraph 2
above. This is because, so long as fighter
detachments for Hong Kong can be provided from
Singapore, no problem arises.
What is to happen
thereafter will be considered in the context of the
RET
longer