arguments for a permanent fighter presence
set out in the Governor's Saving despatch.
He gives three main reasons :-
(a)
mamterance of
effect on confidence and morale of the
local population;
(b) prevention of Chinese intrusion(which
might take the form of leading possibly
and
Security for
leaflet raids),
(c) effect on operations of foreign
airlines, which is essential of the value to H.M.G. of Hong Kong, traffic rights is to be mamtamed. Zon not inclined to attach mach reight If I may deal with point (e) fist, ←
if Hiness airer
reiterly into Hon Tenge
de intrade start intruding fairly
/were to
space, I think might-will
likely bart some airlines may become
nervous about operating to and through Hong
would
Kong in which case there will undoubtedly
*nt combattra
be ill-effects on the tourist trade, end traffic
would
rights at Hong Kong will become a less
valuable bargaining counter in the hands of
H.M.G
for so long
مه
Hay Kay were not subjected to In the sboense of Chinese
I rather
Intrusions, it acar - doubt whether a
mere lack of capacity to challenge Chinese
would
aircraft will deter airlines from using the
But we bot7:09
If there would be a general
Loss of confidence
wow could not count our Ebut
NOTHING TO BE WRITTEN IN THIS MARGIN
extremely valuable and profitable rights they
enjoy in the Colony if China felt that her aircroft could intrude with mon a
seme force in the point raised
I believe there is also
It is true that the Chinese have shown
(b).
no disposition to intrude up to now; Aroudly
this is
because (as the Governor says) they realise
that in doing so they would run the risk of
an incident, with its attendant international
repercussions. If the element of risk is
removed by the withdrawal of all air cover,
they might well be tempted to intervene when
is pusly, why
wlto Hay King's an space, then
judy that the picture could become crite difficut. of the de
Less
Saulain trusting tool Mack,
faily fuquently wew taking Mars to start,
such ceice
/ it
...