ANNEX A TO COS 1697/28/10/69
VISITS OF COMBAT AIRCRAFT TO HONG KONG
1970/71
(Note by the Air Force Department)
Introduction
1.
The possibility of arranging for occasional visits of combat aircraft to Hong Kong following our withdrawal from Singapore and Malaysia in 1971 was examined in COS 1462/17/7/69. The proposals contained therein have now been approved by the Secretary of State(1). However, the question of how best to fill the 1970/71 gap (ie after withdrawal of the Singapore Hunters) remained to be studied.
Aim
2. The aim of this paper is to examine the possibility of arranging for visits of combat aircraft to Hong Kong during the years 1970/71.
Theatre Forces
3. From 1st April 1970 resident RAF combat aircraft in the Far East will consist of one Squadron of Lightnings (12 UE) and one Squadron of Shackletons (8 UE). In addition there will be a transport force consisting of eight Hercules and seventeen Whirlwind helicopters. Hong Kong will have its own force of six Whirlwinds (possibly increasing to ten)(2).
4.
Because of the need for UK-based Tanker support to provide the necessary air-to-air refuelling during deployment and recovery, visits to the Colony by Lightnings are not considered acceptable by the AFD. The Shackletons already pay frequent visits to Hong Kong and can continue to do so until their final withdrawal from Singapore. Theatre-based Hercules will also have a continuing regular commitment to fly to the Colony
Notes:
1.
NO 5/14 dated 24th July 1969
2.
COS 42/69 DP15- 393/1
A
1
SECRET
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