;
SECRET
CYPHER/CAT A
PRIORITY FOREIGN AND COMMONWEALTH OFFICE
TELEGRAM NUMBER
55
7/2
TO HONG KONG
22 NOVEMBER 1969
(DP15/393/1)
SECRET.
HELICOPTER FORCE IN HONG KONG.
MINISTRY OF DEFENCE HAVE RECEIVED RECOMMENDATION FROM C IN C F.E. THAT THE PRESENT FORCE OF SIX WHIRLWINDS SHOULD BE REPLACED BY SIX
WESSEX HELICOPTERS.
2. THE PRINCIPAL AGRUMENT IS THAT THIS WOULD ENABLE CBF TO PROVIDE A SIMULTANEOUS PLATOON LIFT REGARDED AS ESSENTIAL TO MEET IS AND OPERATIONAL REQUIREMENTS. CURRENT WHIRLWIND FORCE UNABLE TO DO SO. 3. OTHER POINTS MENTIONED INCLUDE SUPERIOR CAPABILITY AND GREATER SAFTEY FACTOR PROVIDED BY WESSEX.
4. GRATEFUL FOR ANY COMMENTS YOU MAY HAVE ON THIS PROPOSAL.
STEWART
FILE S
HONG KONG D.
FAR EAST. D.
DEF. POL. D.
MR.
MORETON
MR. BURROUGHS
MR. GALLAGHER
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