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Mr. Xxxford
Mr.
Godden
Problem
The opote.
M. Gammin
121/1
The was chemins
W
with the Goon on 26/11. Ind Shephand anguro
the
M
DEFENCE:
FIGHTER AIRCRAFT COVER FOR HONG KONG
Boom
28/4
In view of the difficulties in finding funds to meet the cost
of stationing and operating a RAF fighter unit in Hong Kong as part
of the Colony's future garrison, the Governor has reluctantly
decided that, subject to clarification of certain points, he should
accept an alternative suggestion that the necessary fighter cover
for the Colony in the post-1971 era should be provided by periodic
visits to Hong Kong by RAF aircraft on training flight detachments to
the Far East. The Governor's decision is now submitted for the
Minister's approval.
Recommendation
2. I recommend that the Minister should approve the Governor's
decision on the understanding (which will in due course have to be
conveyed to the Ministry of Defence) that if the level of fighter
cover thus provided is found, by experience, to be inadequate for
its purposes, then the whole question will need to be reopened and
reviewed. But the Minister may wish to defer his decision until
after he has seen the Governor on Wednesday, 26 November.
Background
3.
Up to March 1967 a RAF fighter unit of Hunter aircraft was
stationed in Hong Kong. During that month the unit was withdrawn
Colony has since been provided by regular
and fighter cover for the
and frequent visits by RAF aircraft from Singapore. The RAF Hunter
Squadron in Singapore is to be withdrawn in March 1970 as part of the
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