TNAG-0061-FCO40-97-Strength-of-Hong-Kong-garrison-1968 — Page 71

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ENCLOSURE TO COS 1419/7/6/68 (Continued)

defence role the Hunter is an aircraft of fairly high

performance and complexity, and in the environment of the

Hong Kong airspace operational efficiency and flight safety

demand a high standard of flying ability. Because of the

part-time nature of auxiliary service, and the impractica-

bility of maintaining the required training standards on

this basis of availability, we consider that the possibility

of using HKAAF pilots is wholly precluded.

Sue x

of 4.2 f

125

10. Ground Crew. The Governor, in his discussion with the

Chiefs of Staff, has implied that maximum use of HKAEC would

be cheaper for the Hong Kong Government which would have to

meet the cost. We have already assumed that there would be no

reasonable alternative to HKAEC undertaking second line servicing.

As to first line servicing, from the point of view of

technical ability there is no doubt that, with the possible

exception of armaments and ejector seat servicing, HAEC

would be quite capable of carrying out all the functions

associated therewith. Alternatively, it has been suggested

that first line servicing could be undertaken by civilian

Chinese employees of the Hong Kong Government who would have

a uniformed liability to be called out in the Auxiliary Air

Force in emergencies. In either case, we consider that it

would be prudent to establish a small element of RAF technical

personnel, mainly in the supervisory grades, to effect liaison

at the higher level, to ensure that RAF standards of technical

practices were maintained, to be responsible for correct

technical documentation, and to supervise any RAF armament and

safety equipment personnel who might be found to be necessary.

/Logistic

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