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Annex C to Note No. 6
VISIT OF DEPUTY UNDER-SECRETARY OF STATE
(SIR LESLIE MONSON)
TO HONG KONG, OCTOBER, 1969
DEFENCE: HELICOPTERS
The Commander-in-Chief, Far East, with the support of the Governor, has asked for additional helicopter lift capacity in the Colony. The Ministry of Defence are still engaged on investigating the possibilities of paying for additional helicopters by making cuts elsewhere in the present costs of the garrison (see paragraph 6 below). It is under- stood that Commander-in-Chief, Far East, is resisting the idea
of such cuts. Pending the outcome of this investigation there
is little that can be said on the subject to the Acting
Governor who is probably already aware of the position reached,
through Service channels.
2. This is something that we see as desirable, if it can be
provided.
3.
Background
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. In forwarding Commander, British Forces' , Report, 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.
4. The Ministry of Defence stated that there was no possibi-
lity of making Wessex helicopters available since they were all otherwise fully engaged. As an alternative, they suggested
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