Page 281 is therefore incorrect to say that the forces available in the Colony are adequate for its defence. What could two units without fighter cover do aginst three Chinese armies, with fighter cover? If it is suggested that the theatre forces (that is from Malaya and Singapore) could reinforce Hong Kong quickly it should be remembered that when the Planners had a look at the C.B.F's forces requirements in January of this year (see (8) on the file) they said that our ability "to provide timely reinforcement for Hong Kong either now or in the future is very limited". This was based on the fact that the theatre air transport force could not lift one reinforcing battalion to Hong Kong in under 12 days and that even by 1958 when Britannia aircraft might be available it would still not be possible to complete the move of one battalion without transport in under five days or three battalions in seven days. The recognition that the C.B.F. Hong Kong has not got the forces to carry out his directive as in the opening paragraph of this note lies in the request that has been made to him that he should examine it in the light of the size of the garrison now approved.
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27th November, 1957
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