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carry out a more detailed examination of the above proposals with
particular regard to the technical and administrative posts which
could be allocated to the Hong Kong Auxiliary Air Force.
The paper contains two references to the financial aspects
of the proposals. First, it refers to the previously regarded
view of the Chiefs of Staff that "there was no military justifica-
tion for the permanent stationing of fighter aircraft in Hong Kong,
but that if political considerations were overriding and if costs
were met from outside the Defence Budget, a small force of Hunter
aircraft could be provided from 1970...". Second, the paper
quotes the Governor as having implied in his discussion with the
Chiefs of Staff on 30 April that "maximum uae of H.K.A.E.C. would
be cheaper for the Hong Kong Goverment which would have to meet
the cost".
The minutes of the meeting of the Chiefs of Staff on 30 April
do in fact record the Governor as having made the remark imputed to
him above; however, the same minutes also state that "it was hoped
that the charge to the Hong Kong Government could be limited to
operating costs and that it would not be necessary for them to
purchase the Hunter aircraft". It would be advisable to ascertain
from the Governor whether he did, in fact, make the remarks
attributed to him on this point.
When the Defence and Oversea
Policy Committee considered the question of the future strength
and structure of the Hong Kong Garrison (including the possibility
of a permanent fighter presence) they concluded that consideration
of where the costs of the Garrison should be borne should be
deferred, but that the Defence Secretary should arrange for the
best assessment possible to be made of the full cost to HMG of the
Hong Kong commitment.
Hong Kong Deru.
12.6.68.
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