TNAG-0061-FCO40-97-Strength-of-Hong-Kong-garrison-1968 — Page 67

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carry out a more detailed examination of the above proposals with

particular regard to the technical and administrative posts which

could be allocated to the Hong Kong Auxiliary Air Force.

The paper contains two references to the financial aspects

of the proposals. First, it refers to the previously regarded

view of the Chiefs of Staff that "there was no military justifica-

tion for the permanent stationing of fighter aircraft in Hong Kong,

but that if political considerations were overriding and if costs

were met from outside the Defence Budget, a small force of Hunter

aircraft could be provided from 1970...". Second, the paper

quotes the Governor as having implied in his discussion with the

Chiefs of Staff on 30 April that "maximum uae of H.K.A.E.C. would

be cheaper for the Hong Kong Goverment which would have to meet

the cost".

The minutes of the meeting of the Chiefs of Staff on 30 April

do in fact record the Governor as having made the remark imputed to

him above; however, the same minutes also state that "it was hoped

that the charge to the Hong Kong Government could be limited to

operating costs and that it would not be necessary for them to

purchase the Hunter aircraft". It would be advisable to ascertain

from the Governor whether he did, in fact, make the remarks

attributed to him on this point.

When the Defence and Oversea

Policy Committee considered the question of the future strength

and structure of the Hong Kong Garrison (including the possibility

of a permanent fighter presence) they concluded that consideration

of where the costs of the Garrison should be borne should be

deferred, but that the Defence Secretary should arrange for the

best assessment possible to be made of the full cost to HMG of the

Hong Kong commitment.

Hong Kong Deru.

12.6.68.

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