TNAG-1938-FCO40-2764-Future-of-Hong-Kong-defence-and-public-order-1989 — Page 99

SECRET UK EYES A LOCSEN

by 1992 - should more helicopter support prove necessary. It will take time

before these assets become operational and it should also be recognised that

some of the Garrison's tasks may not be achieveable by the HKGFSD helicopter

unit, which is primarily a S&R organisation at this time. Thus the extent to

which the HKGFSD might provide effective helicopter support to the Garrison can-

not yet be quantified.

26. Wessex Force Level Planning. The planned reduction of the Wessex force -

with support from 2 HKGFSD Dauphin helicopters available - was limited in order

to satisfy an operational requirement to mount a "simultaneous half company

helilift". This requires a minimum of 6 Wessex (or similar) helicopters to

achieve. On initial examination, it could appear sensible to delay the run down

of the Wessex force until about 1990, by which time the HKGFSD should be ready

to provide helicopter support to the Garrison. However, 28 Sqn has been unable

to fly its authorised flying task during the past year and the task has there-

fore been reduced. For normal day-to-day tasking in Hong Kong, 6 Wessex is con-

sidered an adequate force. If the Wessex force is reduced to 6 AE plus 2 in use

reserves (IURs), it is judged that it should always be possible to generate 6

serviceable Wessex when and if a contingency should arise. The Wessex force

should therefore be reduced to 6 AE and 2 IUR in 1989, in accordance with the

existing CDS 7/87 planning timescale.

-

27. Scout Planning. The operational requirement for Scout helicopters in Hong

-

Kong - as for Wessex helicopters is based on countering the threat of spontaneous

violence, which may occur at short notice. If an internal security threat is

not quickly controlled, the garrison must be able to demonstrate intent to

challenge Chinese intervention. CBF's Concept of Operations provides for the

ROW 113 (HONG)

17

SECRET UK EYES A LOCSEN