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withdrawn from Hong Kong there will be wide-
have
spread concern At this juncture the valu a small fighter presence would be considerable valu
in terms of sustaining public morale in its
absence, the effect of a Chinese intrusion into
Hong Kong air space, however harmless, could be
catastrophic.
therefor, we feel that J
As seen today, the case for maintaining a
fighter presence in Hong Kong after we shut
down Singapore is strong. It could happen
that the situation will look very different in
1970-71 and our views may accordingly change.
But I can see no reason to expect the situation
to develop along lines more favourable to a
decision to leave Hong Kong without air cover an
would therefore ask that in the study of this
matter which your Ministry is now undertaking
account should be taken of the political
arguments made above.
THIS IS A COPY
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