**JA/16/8-1
CONFIDENTIAL
CONFIDENTIAL
HONG KONG DEFENCE COSTS NEGOTIATIONS OCTOBER 1975
AIR MATTERS
BRIEF H
Future Ghurka Trooping
1. Hitherto the task of Ghurka trooping between Hong Kong and Katmandu has been carried out by Britannia aircraft. Following the demise of these aircraft as a consequence of the Defence Review it was intended to put the task out to charter. However, during negotiations it became evident that the Royal Nepal Airlines (RNAC) were determined to have the contract and would not grant traffic rights to any other charter operator. As the tender price submitted by RNAC is considered to be excessive it has been decided to use a RAF VC10 for next spring's trooping season thereby providing further time for negotiation with RNAC.
Future Trooping to Hong Kong
2. The future method of trooping to Hong Kong has yet to be decided and will depend upon the results of current Central Staffs studies into utilisation of the Air Transport Force post Defence Review.
Tai Mo Shan radar
3.
See next page.
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CONEDENTIAL