SECRET
- 2.
and fourth line servicing. We require time to arrange and negotiate these services and we hope we can have your and MOD assistance to effect this with the Americans.
Finally, I come to the question of costs. We recognise that the Services are under pressure to achieve the greatest possible economy but equally I am under substantial pressure to ensure that a service which the Hong Kong Government regards as an essential service is maintained. After all the first we heard of this proposed disbandment was in January this year. In these circumstances would you please pursue with the MOD the proposition that the RAF should continue to operate the Tai Mo Shan radar with the minimum staff (and some doubt has been expressed whether this requires 36 people) and to meet the costs of doing this until 1st April, 1976. I hope that you will feel able to make strong representations to the MOD on this basis which, taken with the factors described in the previous paragraphs, we believe to be a reasonable compromise.
ever
Чит
вий
(L.M. Davies)
Secretary for Security
SECRET