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ANNEX A to DP 9/68(C)
Preliminary Draft Continued
Royal Air Force
15. The Royal Air Force presence in Hong Kong consists of a force
of six helicopters, a small terminal staging post, and a signal
and radar station at TAI MO SHAN, together with the necessary
administrative support.
A fighter presence is provided periodic-
ally with training detachments of Hunter aircraft from Singapore.
In an emergency, reinforcing aircraft can be provided from the
Far East Air Force and from outside the theatre.
IMPLICATIONS OF WITHDRAWAL FROM
MALAYSIA AND SINGAPORE
Chinese Reaction
MARY'S JOURNE
16.
China will be aware that reinforcements for the Hong Kong
Garrison have to come from the United Kingdom after the closure of
our main base at Singapore, and, consequently, the Chinese may
exploit the psychological effect on the inhabitants of the colony
of the comparative isolation of British forces. The external
threat from China is likely to remain unchanged so long as United
States forces remain in the Far East and the possibility of a
conflict between the two countries still exists.
Hong Kong Reaction
17. HM Government policy of withdrawal of forces from areas
outside Europe will have been noted by the population of Hong
Kong, and their morale will be particularly sensitive to the
knowledge that there will be no reserves for British forces avail-
able in the theatre. Furthermore, any significant decrease in
the strength of the garrison could seriously affect confidence in
the colony by casting doubt on HM Government's intention to
maintain a presence in Hong Kong.
Royal Navy
18. After the withdrawal of the Far East Fleet from Singapore,
the requirement to keep one frigate permanently in Hong Kong will
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