TNAG-0059-FCO40-95-Strength-of-Hong-Kong-garrison-1968 — Page 51

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Mr. Carter

TOP SECRET

Reference.

At (59A) there is an extract from the record of

a discussion (dated 16 October) on internal security

and related matters which the Minister had during his

visit to llong Kong in October. The extract records

the Minister's intention to pursue the question of

maintaining fighter aircraft in Hong Kong to challenge

intrusion.

2.

This matter is referred to at paragraphs 13-16

of the aide memoire dated 19 October prepared by the

Defence Planning Staff for the Chiefs of Staff

meeting on 24 October.

The ai e memoire records

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the combined view of the Governor and Commander,

British Forces Hong Kong, that there should be a

permanent fighter and helicopter presence in Hong Kong.

It also records a recommendation by the C. in C.

Far East, that "in view of the practical difficulties

of maintaining a permanent fighter presence and of providing effective interception, the M.O.D.(Air)

should examine the desirability of stationing

fighters in the medium and long term".

3. The Chiefs of Staff met on 24 October but it

seems that they were more concerned at that meeting

with the problem of accompanied and unaccompanied

tours for relief Service units posted to Hong Kong

and there is no indication in the record of the

meeting that the subject of a fighter presence was

discussed.

4. Mr. Henn, M.O.D., tells me that it is unlikely

that early action will be taken on the C. in C.

Far East's recommendation referred to in paragraph 2

above. This is because, so long as fighter

detachments for Hong Kong can be provided from

Singapore, no problem arises.

What is to happen

thereafter will be considered in the context of the

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