TNAG-0179-FCO40-215-Strength-of-Hong-Kong-Garrison-1970 — Page 49

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BACKGROUND NOTE

Defence: Helicopters

There are at present six Whirlwind helicopters on the strength of the Hong Kong Garrison.

In January, the Commander British Forces, Hong Kong, reported through the Commander-in-Chief, Far East, that after one year's experience of support helicopters in Hong Kong, a simultaneous platoon lift was essential to meet internal security and other operational tasks; and that the force of six Whirlwinds had achieved only 50% availability during the year, representing a simultaneous lift of only half a platoon and sometimes less. 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. 2. The Ministry of Defence stated that there was no possibility of making Wessex helicopters available since they were all other- wise 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.

3. 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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