TNAG-0179-FCO40-215-Strength-of-Hong-Kong-Garrison-1970 — Page 67

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clarification of certain points relating to costs and facilities he

would be prepared to accept the suggested post-1971 training flight

visits as very much a second best alternative to the stationing of a

fighter unit in the Colony. We have sought clarification from the

Ministry of Defence of the points raised by the Governor and now

await their reply.

Argument

11.

Although the Governor's final decision is dependent on his

receiving satisfactory clarification of the points that he has raised,

it seems unlikely that those points are of sufficient substance to

cause him to change his mind again. It seems probable, therefore,

that the Governor will, faute de mieux, confirm his decision to accept

the alternative of training detachment visits as providing the minimum

fighter cover which the Colony will require in the post-1971 era.

(N.B. One of the matters on which the Governor is seeking clarifica-

tion is the question of providing fighter cover during the period

from March 1970 (after which fighter cover from Singapore will no

longer be available) and the beginning of the post-1971 arrangements.

But although it will be important to ensure that satisfactory

arrangements are made by the Ministry of Defence to cover the period

in question, this is basically a separate issue and its outcome is

unlikely to affect the problem in its long term context).

12. This department's view is that, if the Governor feels able to

say (however reluctantly) that he is satisfied that air cover can be

provided at an acceptable level by training flight visits, then that

conclusion should be accepted. On the one hand we see no prospect

whatsoever of obtaining additional UK funds, from the defence budget

or other sources, for a permanent fighter presence nor any scope for

/ compensating cuts

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