4. It is in the context of this longer term
situation that we have considered carefully
the arguments for a permanent fighter presence
set out in the Governor's Saving despatch.
He gives three main reasons:-
(a)
maintenance of confidence and
morale of the local population;
(b)
prevention of Chinese intrusion
(which might take the form of leaflet
raids);
and
(c)
security for operations of
airlines, which is essential if the
value to H. M. G. of Hong Kong traffic
rights is to be maintained.
If I may deal with point (c) first, I
rather doubt whether a mere lack of capacity
to challenge Chinese aircraft would deter
airlines from using the extremely valuable
and profitable rights they enjoy in the
Colony, for so long as Hong Kong were not
subjected to intrusions. But if China
felt that her aircraft could intrude with
more or less impunity into Hong Kong's
air space, and such intrusions were to
start, then I would judge that the picture
could become quite different. In such
circumstances some airlines might well
become mervous about operating to and
through Hong Kong, in which case there would
undoubtedly be ill-effects on the tourist
trade, traffic rights at Hong Kong would
become a less valuable bargaining counter
in the hands of H.M.G., and there would be a
general loss of confidence.
5. I believe there is also force in the
point at (b). It is true that the Chinese
have shown no disposition to intrude up to
now
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