SECRET
latter's visit to Hong Kong at the end of June.
4. We expect to discuss this issue with the Governor in
November when we should be in a position to answer the points
he has raised in his letter of 15 September. Meanwhile there
is little that can be said to the Acting Governor on the subject beyond informing him that: -
(a) we have sought clarification on the points raised
by the Governor
(b) we consider that the final decision will need
5.
Ministerial endorsement.
BACKGROUND
The unit of R.A.F. fighter aircraft (Hunters) stationed in Hong Kong was withdrawn in March 1967 as part of the Defence
Review economies, and air cover has since been provided by regular and frequent visits of fighters and other aircraft from Singapore. Upon the decision being taken to withdraw from Singapore/Malaysia the Governor proposed that fighter
aircraft should once more be stationed in Hong Kong as part of the Colony's future garrison and implied that Hong Kong
would find a substantial, if not the greater part, of the
cost. In support of his proposal the Governor argued that
fighter cover is required:-
(a) to deter intrusion by military aircraft into Hong
Kong air space (e.g. by Chinese Communist or Nationalist aircraft)
(b) to bolster local confidence.
The Foreign and Commonwealth Office have supported the Governor
and have argued in favour of the proposal on the additional
ground that the alternative of sending aircraft from elsewhere (i.e. from the United Kingdom) to reinforce the garrison in a period of tension might constitute an act likely to exacerbate
and escalate what might well be an already inflammable situation.
The proposal was approved by Ministers (in D.O.P.C.) in May 1968 "subject to further examination of the possibility
6.
SECRET
/ that
No comments yet.
Private notes are available after approval.