TNAG-0059-FCO40-95-Strength-of-Hong-Kong-garrison-1968 — Page 9

Mr. Hall

In his minute Mr. Gaminara has set out the

background against which the M.O.D. are again going

to consider the question of an R.A.F. permanent

presence in Hong Kong.

But

2. We agreed to the withdrawal of the Hunters in

1966 (they were withdrawn early in 1967).

circumstances have changed since, with communist

how

confrontation in Hong Kong and our decision to

because of withdraw from Singapore/Malaysia. It is on these

changes grounds, I think, that we have a case on political

grounds for the restoration of a permanent R.A.F..;

presence. I think we must agree that there are no

military grounds that could be urged effectively.

3. The M.O.D. have put us on notice at (81) that if

we want to press the political case they will feel

bound to put this to their Ministers. In the

circumstances I agree with Mr. Gaminara that we might

as well elevate the exchanges to that level from the

start. I have revised his draft letter to bring out

the points made in paragraph 2 above and to add the

point about the R.A.F. presence as a cover for part

of our intelligence operations. In view of the

latter point particularly, I consider that the

Minister's letter should be copied to the Foreign

Office (Mr. Denson has suggested to Mr. Rodgers).

15 February, 1968

6.5. Carter

(W.S. Carter)