TOP SECRET
ANNEX A to DP 9/68(C)
Draft)(Continued)
Commander British Forces Hong Kong, approval (14) has been given
for the permanent establishment of six Royal Air Force helicopters
in Hong Kong. We see this requirement as being one which will
continue. In the event of major reinforcement, it may become
necessary to deploy additional helicopters to the colony.
29. Fighter Aircraft. The Governor of Hong Kong has requested
(15) that consideration be given to the provision of a permanent
presence of fighter aircraft in Hong Kong as a part of the measures
giving visible evidence of HM Government's intention to maintain
its position in the colony. The Governor recognises that, in
practice, defending fighter aircraft would have little or no
chance of carrying out interceptions in the colony's air space.
However, fighter aircraft would deter incursions, and their absence
might be interpreted as a weakening of United Kingdom
resolution. To meet this political requirement, the Air Force
Department has examined the implications of providing a self-
contained unit of four Hunter Aircraft together with a Hunter
trainer after the Hunter Squadron in Singapore is withdrawn.
This force could be sustained until about 1975, after which date
the position would have to be reviewed. This force could also
be augmented from time to time with Phantom aircraft detached from
the United Kingdom. There will be a continuing need for the
radar and control facilities.
30. Royal Air Force Regiment. As a result of the withdrawal
of our forces from Malaysia and Singapore it will no longer be
possible to deploy Royal Air Force Regiment reinforcement from
within the theatre. With the establishment of a permanent Royal
Air Force presence in Hong Kong, we see the need for the deploy-
ment there of a Field Squadron to provide for the protection of
Notes:
(14) (15)
COSOTA 26 COS 1081/2/2/68
A
11
TOP SECRET
No comments yet.
Private notes are available after approval.