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to operate seven days per week.
ENCLOSURE TO COS 1419/7/6/68 (Continued
This being so, a somewhat
larger proportion of HKAAF would presumably be available to
support the unit during weekend attendances.
Under these
circumstances they could play a more direct part in assisting
in first line duties in addition to the other support
functions already mentioned.
Command and Control
17.
Within the concept outlined above it is envisaged
that the aircraft and aircrews would remain the direct
responsibility of the Royal Air Force.
The unit should thus
come under the operational control of the Senior RAF Officer, Hong
Kong (Station Commander Kai Tak).
However, there would also
need to be direct liaison and administrative links from the
unit commander to the Officer Commanding HKAAF (a Wing Commander GD Auxiliary) and to the approriate authorities in HKAEC.
Identification
18. The Governor has implied that he would wish the unit to be identified as closely as possible with the Colony, and that
this could be achieved by maximum practical local participation
in its running. We suggest that identification with the Colony
could be further strengthened by the assumption of the Number 209 Squadron number-plate (which squadron has an old link with Hong Kong), or by naming the unit "The Hong Kong Air Defence
Force."
Further Study
19. Whilst sufficient is known to establish the feasibility of
this project, more detailed study is required to determine the precise breakdown of responsibilities between the RAF, HKAAF
and HAEC. We therefore propose that the Commander FEAF be
invited to put in hand such a study.
Conclusions
20.
We conclude that, if political considerations so dictate,
/a
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