TNAG-0061-FCO40-97-Strength-of-Hong-Kong-garrison-1968 — Page 57

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ANNEX A TO COS 40/68 (Continued)

Logistic and Other Technical Backing

11. Because of the length of the supply line and the cost

in terms of air transport resources of re-supply, it would

be advisable to retain an extensive range of spares locally.

12. The storage and servicing of reserve aircraft (see

para 7) would need to be undertaken by HAEC. In addition

we would have to make available to them all appropriate test

equipment necessary to the servicing task.

Hong Kong Auxiliary Air Force

13. The HKAAF is an organisation consisting of 28 officers

and 62 airmen, assisted by two officers and one SNCO of the

RAF. A detailed description of its establishment and tasks

is at Appendix 1.

14.

We have considered the possibility of making use of

members of the HKAAF in the day-to-day running of the Unit.

However, because of the voluntary nature of service,

irregularity of week-day attendance and the possible

difficulties involving command and discipline, we consider

that it would be unwise to depend on the organisation as a

regular feature in the normal running of the unit.

15.

Nevertheless, the establishment of a unit of this

nature would invariably heighten the general levels of

supporting activity throughout the station.

This would normally

be reflected in increases in the station establishment.

However, it is possible that a profitable function of the HKAAF

would lie in augmenting station support elements such as

operations, air traffic control etc.

16. Furthermore, it must be presumed that a unit established

as a political deterrent should, as a matter of course, be seen

A

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