CO537-4998 — Page 131

14 December 1948

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ITEM 9 FIGHTER SQUADRON FOR HONG KONG

He

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Air Vice Marshal INGLIS drew attention to a telegram* from the Foreign Office regarding clearance for a fighter squadron flying to Hong Kong.

The COMMITTEE:-

(1)

(ii)

(iii)

took note that Headquarters, Air Command, Far East, had not arranged to send fighters to Hong Kong except in an emergency, but only wished to get clearance by 20 January 1948, so that they could he sent without delay if required;

took note that the Commander-in-Chief, Air Command, Far East, was expected to return to Singapore on 11 December 1948, and might wish some action to he taken;

took note that the Acting Commander-in-Chief, Air Command, Far East, would, in the meantime, telegraph to the Air Officer Commanding, Hong Kong, explaining the existing state of affairs.

*Secretary of State's No. 524 dated 4 December 1948