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during the year, representing a simultaneous
lift of only half a platoon and sometimes less.
In forwarding Commander, British Forces', Report,
the Commander-in-Chief, Far East, with the
Governor's support, strongly recommended that
the Whirlwind helicopters should be replaced by
six R.A.F. Wessex helicopters.
14,
13.
The Ministry of Defence stated that there
was no possibility of making Wessex helicopters
available since they were all otherwise fully
engaged. As an alternative, they suggested that
the strength of Whirlwind helicopters in Hong
Kong should be increased from six to nine or ten
in March 1970 when three or four will, in any
event, become available from the Far Eastern Air
Force. They also pointed out that the adoption
of this proposal would involve additional annual
costs of the order of £200,000 plus any works
costs that might be identified.
The Ministry
added that this additional cost would probably
have to be borne on defence votes, at least until
March 1971, when the present defence contribution
agreement with the Hong Kong Government expires.
The Commander-in-Chief, Far East, accordingly
sought formal approval from the Ministry of
Defence for the redeployment to Hong Kong in
March 1970 of the four helicopters in question.
After some initial hesitation the Chiefs of
Staff supported the request and recommended it,
in June, for approval by the Defence Secretary.
Mr. Healey discussed the matter with the Governor
when he visited Hong Kong later the same month
and informed the latter that he was not entirely
convinced of the military need for the additional
helicopters.
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On his return to London the Defence
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