SECRET
Enclosure to COS 1717/8/10/68
Headquarters
Far East Command Phoenix Park
c/o GPO Singapore
24th September 1968
157/2
CINCFE 3031/6130/12
The Chief of the Defence Staff,
Chairman of the Chiefs of Staff Committee
1.
FIGHTER AIRCRAFT FOR HONG KONG
You approved (1) a report (2) on the provision of fighter aircraft for Hong Kong and instructed me to carry out a detailed examination of the proposal. The attached study has been prepared by Headquarters Far East Air Force in consultation with the Hong Kong Colony Defence Secretary, the staff of the Commander British Forces, OC RAF Kai Tak and the General Manager of the Hong Kong Aircraft Engineering Company (HAEC).
2. This study, after setting out in some detail the present organisation and capability of the Hong Kong Auxiliary Air Force (HKAAF) and the HAEC, considers there would be little advantage in changing the present organisation and composition of the HKAAF to meet a more sophisticated task for which, by the nature of their service and training, they would not be suitable; the study therefore examines two alternative proposals:
A. Scheme A which allows for maximum participation by the Hong Kong Auxiliary Air Force, supported by the HAEC.
b.
Scheme B which makes maximum use of the HAEC.
3.
It concludes that either Scheme meets the requirements laid down in reference (2) but that Scheme B is preferable as it:
a.
Would be less complicated, as servicing responsibilities would not be divided.
b.
Would not involve training of Auxiliary personnel.
C.
Would be able to call upon the extensive and efficient resources of the HAEC for both first and second line servicing.
4.
The study also concludes that:
a. The Hunter Squadron should be given the number plate (Hong Kong) Squadron.
b. It should be under the full command of OC RAF Kai Tak.
C.
No 209
It would be prudent, if Scheme B is adopted, to have a plan to provide for the emergency reinforcement of the servicing flight in the unlikely event that industrial unrest and civil disturbances should result in a risk of the operational employment of the Hunters being prejudiced.
5. I endorse the proposals in this study and recommend that Scheme B should be adopted when the Hunter Squadron is established in Hong Kong in 1970. I have discussed this personally with the Governor and Commander British Forces, who both support this recommendation.
Note: 1.
COS 40/68 COS 1419/7/6/68
2.
Michael Carrer
(M. Carver) General
Commander-in-Chief, Far East
/Distribution:
SECRET
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