C.S. 49
50x100-2/56-A
6-page 242 of 283
H.K. Ref. D/GA
I
SAVINGRAM
To the Secretary of State for the Colonies.
TOP SECRET,
Page 242 TOP SECRLT
From the Officer Administering the Government, From the-Governor, Hong Kong.
Date 8th January, 1958..
No...44........
Repeated to the Commissioner- General for the U.K. in S.E. Asia, Singapore No. 3
(155)
(101)
Your telegram No.1024 of 1957.
R.A.F. Squadron
1. I think that you should be aware of the effect that reduction in the R.A.F. establishment has had upon the capability of the Air Force to police our territorial air. This, you will recall from my telegram No.416 of 1957, was the modest object that I had in mind in seeking the retention of six aircraft.
2. I am now advised that the recent reduction in R.A.F. aircraft at Kai Tak to three Venoms and one Vampire, and the reduced size of the Ground-Controlled Interception Unit, have necessarily resulted in the following alterations in the operational readiness of the R.A.F. in the Colony :-
(a) Except in periods of tension or special activity,
it will not now be possible to maintain even one aircraft at readiness, nor to continue the reconnaissance sorties hitherto flown by a pair of aircraft each morning and afternoon.
(6) It will, however, be possible to provide a limited
number of reconnaissance patrols, when needed by the Marine Police, provided that sufficient notice of the requirement is given.
(c)
(a)
During any period of tension it will be possible to maintain aircraft at a state of readiness for either reconnaissance patrols or for defence under Ground-Controlled Interception.
Except in an emergency, the Ground-Controlled Interception Unit will maintain watch during normal working hours. In an emergency this watch could be extended for a limited period.
AT/rob A
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