LR/A5/21/1.
From:
Our r
nce: DS 8a/39/8
·Your reference:
Deen Geminara,
Mr. A. D. Heskett, DS 8 Mk
MINISTRY OF DEFENCE Main Building, Whitehall, LONDON S.W.I
Telephone:rchak HO22,YAK
01-930 7022 Extn 6214
21ivery,
May, 1969
Hu Heskett has agored
that this letto not requere
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24,569
FIGHTER AIRCRAFT FOR HONG KONG
1.
Whitmore, my predecessor, wrote to Campbell in the Defence Policy Department on 5th February 1969 making proposals for the establishment and financing of a Hunter squadron in Hong Kong with effect from March 1970.
2. We have still received no reply to Whitmore's letter and we are now becoming seriously concerned at the possible effects on our proposal of any further delay in reaching a decision. In paragraph 5 or his letter Whitmore pointed out that a decision as regards the cost of our proposals would be needed "by the Spring of this year". This is primarily because the basis of our plan is to redeploy elements of the Hunter squadron at present in Singapore; we need about one year in which to complete the phased refurbishing programme of the eight aircraft required to field a fully operational squadron in Hong Kong by March 1970 (without prejudicing the current operational tasks of the squadron at present in Singapore).
3. We are now well beyond "the Spring of 1969" and another factor is becoming important. We cannot delay much longer decisions about the manning and logistic support of the proposed Hong Kong squadron in the light of the plans to disband the Singapore squadron by March 1970; and I must emphasize that there can be no question of postponing this stage of the rundown. We need, therefore, to have a decision on our proposals in the course of June this year at the latest in order to enable our manning authorities to work out the relevant posting plans for the RAF personel involved.
LAST
REF.
NEXT
BEF.
EIVED IN REGISTRY No. 51
29 MAY 1969 7!
[.27%
PL. recivo. when file
HKK 10/9
is available.
A. W. Gaminara, Esq,
Hong Kong Department,
Foreign and Commonwealth Office, London, S.W.1
28.5-69.
SUSCRAT
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