TNAG-0060-FCO40-96-Strength-of-Hong-Kong-garrison-1968 — Page 208

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ANNEX A to DP 9/68(C)

Preliminary Draft (Continued)

an

However, the denial of their presence could be interpreted as

abandonment of a degree of United Kingdom support and a weakening

The Air Force Department has been invited to re-

of intentions.

examine (17) the implications of stationing fighter aircraft

permanently in Hong Kong, taking into account the Governor's views.

The results of this examination will be taken into account in

subsequent drafts of this paper.

38.

Augmentation Forces. The permanent force could also be

augmented from time to time with Phantom aircraft from the

United Kingdom, providing that the necessary over-flying

permission, in-flight refuelling and en route staging facilities

existed and were available to us.

39. Radar and Radio Station. There will be a continuing need

for the Royal Air Force radar and radio stations in Hong Kong.

40.

Terminal Staging Post Facilities. Whilst the requirement

to reinforce the garrison remains and units are deployed by air

there will be a continuing need for the present staging facilities

at Hong Kong.

41. Royal Air Force Regiment.

Subsequent to the withdrawal of

our forces from Singapore and Malaysia and with the establishment

of a permanent Royal Air Force presence in Hong Kong, we see the

need for the deployment there of a Field Squadron of the Royal

Air Force Regiment to provide for the protection of Royal Air Force

installations at KAI TAK and the radar unit and signals unit at

TAI MO SHAN. This would relieve the army garrison of these duties

and make available more units for internal security tasks. By

the deployment of a Rapier Surface to Air Missile Flight, provision

will have been seen to have been made for the defence of the

airfiold against air attack.

Note:

17. COS 1081/2/2/68

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