TNAG-0179-FCO40-215-Strength-of-Hong-Kong-Garrison-1970 — Page 63

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Mr. Xxxford

Mr.

Godden

Problem

The opote.

M. Gammin

121/1

The was chemins

W

with the Goon on 26/11. Ind Shephand anguro

the

M

DEFENCE:

FIGHTER AIRCRAFT COVER FOR HONG KONG

Boom

28/4

In view of the difficulties in finding funds to meet the cost

of stationing and operating a RAF fighter unit in Hong Kong as part

of the Colony's future garrison, the Governor has reluctantly

decided that, subject to clarification of certain points, he should

accept an alternative suggestion that the necessary fighter cover

for the Colony in the post-1971 era should be provided by periodic

visits to Hong Kong by RAF aircraft on training flight detachments to

the Far East. The Governor's decision is now submitted for the

Minister's approval.

Recommendation

2. I recommend that the Minister should approve the Governor's

decision on the understanding (which will in due course have to be

conveyed to the Ministry of Defence) that if the level of fighter

cover thus provided is found, by experience, to be inadequate for

its purposes, then the whole question will need to be reopened and

reviewed. But the Minister may wish to defer his decision until

after he has seen the Governor on Wednesday, 26 November.

Background

3.

Up to March 1967 a RAF fighter unit of Hunter aircraft was

stationed in Hong Kong. During that month the unit was withdrawn

Colony has since been provided by regular

and fighter cover for the

and frequent visits by RAF aircraft from Singapore. The RAF Hunter

Squadron in Singapore is to be withdrawn in March 1970 as part of the

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