TOP SECRET
- 3 -
5. We should get on record our view that the functions
of the aircraft (as explained in the Commonwealth Secretary's
minute) are valid and justify their deployment in the normal
way. We should also seek to counter the argument about the
reinforcement of Hong Kong in paragraph 4 of the Defence
Secretary's letter. In the absence of a regular fighter
force in Hong Kong the despatch of fighters from the United
Kingdom to the Colony in an emergency would, whatever the
dimensions of the emergency itself, inevitably be a political
act and would tend to exacerbate any confrontation with
China.
Copies to:
Defence Department
Mr. Carter (0.0.)
TOP SECRET
(Janes Murray) 30 April, 1968
No comments yet.
Private notes are available after approval.