TNAG-0059-FCO40-95-Strength-of-Hong-Kong-garrison-1968 — Page 30

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ANNEX A TO COS__1068/30/1/68

RAF HELICOPTERS IN HONG KONG

Note by the Air Force Department

In accordance with the decision taken during the 1966 Defence Review, the Royal Air Force presence in Hong Kong was reduced to a staging post with no aircraft permanently based

the there (1). During the recent disturbances in the Colony, Commander-in-Chief Far East deployed, inter alia, six RAF helicopters to Hong Kong as an emergency measure, planned to retain them there until January 1968.

and he

2. The Commander-in-Chief, in consultation with the Governor and CBF Hong Kong, has now recommended (2) that six RAF helicopters ex-FEAF should be permanently established in Hong Kong. This would involve an increase of some 45 RAF personnel at Kai Tak, and marginal adjustments in the supporting services there, but a corresponding reduction in Singapore. Commander-in-Chief considers that SRT helicopters are essential in Hong Kong in order to provide tactical mobility, [particularly Moreover, they provide if the number of battalions is reduced

The

valuable training for both the Army and the Air Force.

3. The Air Force Department strongly endorses this recommendation. Experience in den has demonstrated the deterrent effect of the mere presence of helicopters, and the value to be gained from their actual use in controlling and quietening rapidly fluctuating internal security situations. This they achieved not only through their capacity for rapid movement of troops to trouble spots, but also by their ability to discharge, both by day and by night, the many roles of reconnaissance, patrol, and co-operation with ground and sea- borne forces by providing them with illumination and fire support. The likelihood of similar requirements arising in Hong Kong at short notice is a very real issue.

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Whilst a continuous presence of helicopters can be met, for a limited period, on a detachment basis from Singapore, undue prolongation of this task gives rise to serious personnel problems. We are advised that H FEAF has already experienced personnel problems over manning the detachment, and it is therefore necessary that a decision on the permanent establish- ment be taken soon.

5. The establishment of six helicopters in Hong Kong would reduce the Singapore Whirlwind helicopter force from 20 to 14. The Commander-in-Chief has expressed (2) concern over the effect on Army training this reduction would entail, and has suggested the retention, for 1968 at least, of the six helicopters recently redeployed prematurely from Kuching, which on current plans are due to be withdrawn from the Far East by the end of March 1968 to augment the UK-based helicopter force. Clearly, in the current financial climate, and in the light of the accelerated withdrawal, such an increase could only be authorised in exceptional circumstances, and the Commander-in- Chief has, therefore, been asked (3) to arrange for a detailed submission to be prepared.

Notes:

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UPD (66) 31.

SEACOS 3 0407152. CUSHДA 11.

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