MQ
TOP SECRET
27 March, 1968.
R
109
The question whether fighter aircraft should once again be permanently stationed in Hong Kong has, I believe, recently arise in connection with the forthcoming study of the defence of the Colony in the long tera, I understaɔd that lie Air Force Department have been asked to examine this matter, having regard to Commonwealth office views.
The Gover or of Hong Kong feels strongly that there should be a permanent fighter presence in Hong Kong (his views are, t believe shared by the Commander, British Forces, Hong Kong). Be raised it with Malcolm Shepherd during the lat.er's visit to the Colony last October; he subsequently set out his case in his Saving Despauch No. 799 of 27 December, 1967, which has since been circulated to the Chiefs of Staff; and he has just written to us again on the subject (we have sent a copy of his letter to your officials).
I Lake it that there is to be no change for the present in the policy of arranging frequent visits of fighters from
Singapore. tr
hat is the case, I do not feel too worried about the immediLe future. But I am concerned about the position after withdrawal of our forces from Singapore and the likelihood that some time before that withdrawal is completed it will not be possible for fighter aircraft to visit Hong Kong.
It is in the context of this longer ter: situation chat we have considered carefully the arguments for a permanent fignter presence set out in the Gover.or's Saving Despatch. ile gives
three main reasons:
(a) main.enance of confidence and morale of the local
population ;
The P Hon. Denis Healey, M.3.E., M.P.
Secretary of State for Defence,
Main Building, Whitehall, S.W.1.
/(b)
No comments yet.
Private notes are available after approval.