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6.
The points raised by the Governor have been put to the Ministry of Defence and we now await their reply.
Three of
these points concern the facilities required for the visiting aircraft and the costs quoted. The fourth is the question of providing fighter cover for Hong Kong during the period from March 1970 (after which time fighter cover from Singapore will no longer be available) and the beginning of the post- 1971 arrangements. On this issue the Air Force Department These have prepared a note setting out certain proposals. proposals are intended as a basis for detailed planning and they will require further and closer examination by the Ministry of Defence in conjunction with the Commander-in- Chief, Far East. Meanwhile, the Ministry have asked us to seek the Governor's views on them whilst they, in a parallel exercise, are referring the proposals to the Commander British Forces, Hong Kong. We sent the proposals to the Acting Governor on 6 November (copy of letter and enclosure attached at Annex C) and asked him to let us have, by telegram, any points arising out of them which he considered should be taken into account in the course of our discussions with the Governor. The Acting Governor's reply has not yet been received but a copy of it will be made available if it is received in time for these discussions.
Hong Kong Department 21 November, 1969.
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