TNAG-0061-FCO40-97-Strength-of-Hong-Kong-garrison-1968 — Page 64

FCO40 Hong Kong Department Records 聯邦事務部香港部檔案 All

+

Mr. Casabell

mobel:

COVERING SECRET

Reference.....

Fighters for Hong Kong

I am glad that at last the Ministry of Defence have dropped the nomenclature "Governors Air Force", but in paragraph 2 it is still assumed that there will be no cost to the Defence Budget. From memory I believe that this was in fact conceded by Sir David Trench at the meeting with the Chiefs of Staff. Mr. Carter should be asked whether this is his understanding of the position.

2.

My only other query at first reading is paragraph 7, where the Air Force Department have recommended that "two or three aircraft" should be stored in the Colony against wastage and repair. I believe this is a much higher proportion of reserves for the 4 + 1 aircraft recommended than obtains in other R.A.F. squadrons. With the anxious queue that exists for Hunters in the period indicated, I wonder whether this is not rather a casual assessment. On the other hand if the Colony are prepared to pay for these spare aircraft and can get them, all the better. (Captain Collett may be able to help on this point)

You will note that the paper is for clearance by noon on Friday, 21 June.

3.

funk.

(J. M. McNeill) 10 June. 1968

2,104

RaR M.

ha

11.4,68

"I

1.

i

2

Capt

2

3.

Coth in obs mix.

"it

Mh Canter. Row 312 yot

Gen the Neill

CG.

intr

10%

The reason for the higher gorge of spares is because it would be impossible to fly replacements from Singapore.

in addition to the

"diczy" nature of Kai Tak aufield and the fact that if any ancraft were

to force- land, it would probably

be in Chinese territory.

2.

The present plans for allotment of

Zn

-

RAF Hunter

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