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ANNEX A TO COS 3/69
FIGHTER AIRCRAFT FOR HONG KONG
Introduction
1. In June 1968 we approved (1) a report (2), by the Air Force Department which concluded, inter alia, that if political decisions so dictate a small force of five Hunters could be provided for Hong Kong from 1970 onwards.
2. As a consequence, the Commander-in-Chief, Far East, was instructed to carry out a more detailed examination of the proposal. The resultant study (3) examined the alternative schemes. Scheme A allowed for maximum participation by the Hong Kong Auxiliary Air Force (HKAAF), supported by the Hong Kong Aircraft Engineering Company (HAEC) and Scheme B made maximum use of HAEC.
3. The Study concluded that either scheme would meet the requirement, but that Scheme B was to be preferred.
This recommendation was endorsed by the Commander-in-Chief who said that it was also supported by the Governor of Hong Kong. Also included in the study were details of local costs applicable to both Scheme A and Scheme B.
4. This report examines the study by the CINCFE's, and includes the full costings of the proposed unit under both schemes.
General
5. The CINCFE's study follows closely the guidelines emanating from the Feasibility Study (2), and discusses in depth such matters as the suitability and availability of aircraft; rates of flying effort; and the effectiveness and capabilities of the Hong Kong Auxiliary Air Force (HKAAF) and the Hong Kong Aircraft Engineering Corporation.
6.
(HAEC)
We find all this material non-contentious, and we therefore only propose to examine, and comment on, Schemes A and B.
Notes:
1.
2.
3.
COS 40/68.
COS 1419/7/6/68.
CINCFE 3031/6130/12 dated 24th September 1968.
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