ENCLOSURE 2 TO APPENDIX 2 TO ANNEX E TO JTP 1
(9TH REVISE)
PROVISION OF FACILITIES ON ASCENSION ISLAND
BACKGROUND
1.
Ascension Island is a Dependency forming part of the Colony of St Helena. The Administrator, Ascension Island, is responsible for the government of the Island to the Governor, St Helena.
2. The Island has no indigenous population but approximatley 1100 people from the UK, US and St Helena are employed by local organisations and by the UK Armed Forces. Its importance is mainly as a communication centre, strategically placed in the South Atlantic.
3. Under an agreement with the British Government, US authorities maintain and use Ascension Auxiliary Airfield (known as Wideawake) in connection with their space and defence facilities in Florida, USA.
A number of civilian organisations operate on the Island and between them run the administration. These are:
4.
a.
British.
b.
(1) The BBC.
(2) Composite Signals Organisation (CSO).
(3) Cable and Wireless Ltd.
US.
(1) NASA.
(2) USAF Detachment at Ascension Auxiliary Airfield.
(3) Pan American Airways (responsible for airfield facilities).
C.
South Africa. South Atlantic Cable Corporation.
5. Ascension Island is a staging post capable of handling aircraft at a one hour flow rate. Additional manpower and facilities would be required if this flow rate is increased.
6.
Spare.
E2-E2-1 CONFIDENTIAL
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