TNAG-0179-FCO40-215-Strength-of-Hong-Kong-Garrison-1970 — Page 11

CONFIDENTIAL

Mr. Carter (Hong Kong Department)

The Ministry of Defence describe the position after 1975 as follows. There should be no difficulty about the availability of pilots, as Sir Charles Elworthy explained. There should also be supplies of Hunter spares available on the market, largely because the RAF's own stocks would be gradually released during the first half of the 1970s. This is not to say how- ever that there would necessarily be a buyers' market. The Hunter has proved a very popular aircraft; it is still in strong demand and likely to remain in service for a number of years with the Air Forces of smaller and less developed countries. There would therefore be competition for the supply of spares even after 1975 and of course in the longer run the supply would even- tually dry up.

2. In short pilots and spares would be available, although the Governor would be able to point to the potential limitations on availability of spares which I have mentioned in defending the decision not to pro- cure Hunters for Hong Kong.

1

Assa

amm

(A. E. D. Chapter) Defence Policy Department

(16 December 1969)

Copy to: Mr. Sykes

Mr. Gaminara

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Governer.

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had lette, wouter to the

ple draft.

29/12

CONFIDENTIAL