SECTION VI
-12-
HONG KONG DEFENICE PLAN
AIR PLAN
003 70
TOP SECRET
INTRODUCTION.
The following plan for the air defence of Hong Kong is based
on the assumption that during the next five years the likely strength of any attack in the Colony
not exceed two or three divisions of onemy troops whose air support would be provided by a wasting air force with no backing.
2.
The first essential in the air aspect of the defence of Hong Kong is the paramount importance of reducing enemy air attack te the minimin, The Colony presents a congested and vulnerable target whore oven desultory raids might well cause considerable material damage and would have an adverse offoot or. nivilian moralo.
SCALE OF AIR ATTICK
3.
The sole of air attack on the Colony which it is considered can be mounted and in relation to which the strength of a defensiva fighter force should be planned is very minute as compared with recent experience in air warfaro. It may well be that an opposing air force will consist of a medium range twin-engined bomber force supplemented by modifică transport aircraft. The bomber foros may be supported by
mudium range fighters of the Tomahawk type, ir addition to which there is also the probability of the deployment against us in the oarly stages of long range oscart fighters of the ustang type.
Although from the above it may appear that it is possible
that we may be threatened by a modern air force oquipped with efficient aircraft, there are other factors which should be taken into account When assessing the striking power of such an air force. Diese factors
aro:
5.
(a)
(8)
(0)
(a)
A high rate of unserviceability.
Inefficient maintenance by unskilled and badly trained ground
стеть.
Indifferent pilots, aircrew and controllers.
Poor training.
(a) Badly maintained and badly operated airfield facilities.
Hon-existent production and equipment booking.
(f)
Taking into account the above factors, it is considered that casualties in the enemy air fore will be excessive, Operational casualties will be high and bad maintainance and bad flying coupled together will, it is estimated, account for as many aircraft as will be lost on optional sorties.
يا
2
CO 537/1260
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