1
FS/US of S(RAF)
Copies to:
PS/Minister of State
PS/AMP
PS/VCAS PS/DUS(Air) AUS (AS) AUS (GS)
D Sigs Air
Air Cdre Int
D Air Plans
SECRET.
D of Ops(A Def and 0)(RAF)
Head of F1 (Air)
FCO: (HKIOD)
D/DS8/39/22/1247
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CLOSURE OF 117 SIGNALS UNIT OF THE RAF, TAI MO SHAN
US of S(RAF) will wish to know of a recent Air Staff decision concerning the future of the above unit.
2. The purpose of this radar was primarily to provide intelligence gathering facilities on behalf of both the UK and the USA. Very much as a sideline, the radars provided surveil- lance facilities for the civil airport at Kai Tak.
3. As a result of the Defence Review, it was decided to close this unit completely and to withdraw all Service personnel. This would have left the civil aviation authorities in Hong Kong without a long range radar cover for Kai Tak until a new civil radar is delivered in some 2 to 2 years time. MOD vas therefore pressed by the Hong Kong Government to keep the Tai Mo Shan radar in operation during this period.
4. Because the continued operation of this radar serves no direct UK or US purpose, we resisted this. The solution ultimately adopted was that the RAF should continue to operate the radar until 1 April 1976, the cost of this operation being reimbursed by the Hong Kong Government. The intention behind this arrangement was that in the meantime the Hong Kong Government would arrange a contract direct with Cable and Wireless Ltd to operate the radar after 1 April 76. It would have taken the firm six months to recruit and train personnel to maintain the equipment.
5. The continued operation of the Tai No Shan radar is dependent upon the US being prepared to provide spare parts and maintenance since the radar is of US origin and obsolescent. In addition to its value for civil aviation purposes, the radar does provide assistance to the USAF 13th Air Force based in Manilla for reconnaissance flights. This assistance is not in itself justification for keeping the radar open, as the USAF authorities have agreed, but it provides sufficient justification for the US authorities to continue to provide spare parts. These items have hitherto been supplied free-of-charge on a Service to Service basis.
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SECRET
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