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an additional burden on the National Health Service. Otherwise the medical rescurces necessary will have to come from Section "B" of the Army Reserve or from outside those at prosent available to the army. The possibility of approaching the other Commonwealth countries for assistance in this should be examined.
(f)
Our air forces in Germany will be reduced by
1 Fighter Squadron unless replacement is made by a Squadron from the United Kingdom, or, possibly, by an American Squadron.
10.
(8)
(h)
(j)
(K)
The despatch of 16 Hornet aircraft to Hong Kong
will reduce the effective long range fighter force in the United Kingdom by 50 per cent.
An alternative, if the Australians were agreeable, would be to move to Hong Kong 16 of the 24 first- line R.A.A.F. Mustangs now in South Japan. There is certain to be some delay in getting an Australian reaction to this proposal and it would therefore seen prudent to make preparations to send the Hornets.
The airlift required to move essential personnel
and equipment for the Spitfire Squadrons from Germany and the Hornet Squadron from this country would entail the withdrawal from the Berlin airlift of two Dakota Squadrons.
There will be no operational British aircraft-
carrier in the Mediterranean during August and September.
The provision of the necessary shipping presents a
most difficult problem. Ways and means of solving it are under urgent examination.
Until the Cabinet have given their approval to the despatch of further reinforcements to Hong Kong on the scale now proposed, an approach cannot be made to the shipping lines or to the other Commonwealth countries with a view to their lending us further cigrant ships; nor can other essential proparations be bogun for the despatch of the troops, aircraft and naval forces.
11.
The above proposals represent the maximum effort which the United Kingdom can reasonably make to secure the defence of Hong Kong. Other members of the Commonwealth are also vitally concerned in arresting the spread of Communism south-eastwards in Asia. Australia, New Zealand, India and Pakistan may be prepared to lend us assistance moral and material in making Hong Kong secure. The way in which
these countries could be of assistance in providing armed forces both now and if the emergency develops is under urgent consideration by the Chiefs of Staff,
RECOMMENDATIONS
12.
(a)
The Cabinet are asked:
to authorise the early despatch to Hong Kong
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abovo;
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