opinion in the Colony is worried by the
acceleration of our withdrawal from Singapore.
Against this background the credibility of
our intention to stand by the Colony assumes
an even greater importance (this is the point
the Governor makes in his most recent letter).
7. We have in the last year given assurances
in Parliament and elsewhere that we are
determined to maintain our position and
authority in the Colony and to fulfil our
responsibilities to the people; we need to
let it be seen that we mean this, particularly
after the decision about Singapore.
I believe
that the ordinary people of Hong Kong expect
us to maintain our position in circumstances
short of a major war.
They will be
increasingly worried, as the closure of our
base at Singapore approaches. If at the
same time it becomes apparent that air cover
is being withdrawn from Hong Kong there will
be widespread concern. At this juncture a
small fighter presence would have considerable
value in terms of sustaining public morale;
in its absence, the effect of a Chinese
8.
There is a further point, not mentioned by
the Governor, to which I attach some weight.
Today, fighter visits to Hong Kong are frequent,
regular and in the nature of routine operations
When this
fighters th
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ger possible and we send
y in time of deteriorating
relations wh China, the mounting of a special
operation of this kind must tend to heighten
tension and exacerbate relations. We could
avoid this by having a small force permanently
on the spot.
NOTHING TO BE WRITTEN IN THIS MARGIN
VAUICiure ask that in the study of this matter
which your Ministry is now undertaking account
should be taken of the political arguments made above.
19.
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