000 77
From:
Major General C.S. Sugden, C.B., C.B.E.
12/B/1005
Jear
W Sablen Kariss his leage, F. May bf sk
72525
Room 225,
41
The ar uffice,
Whitehall, S.7.1.
3/July, 1946.
152)?13031/0
In March 1946 the Defence Committee approved a policy whereby Hong Kong should be regarded as an undefended port, and agred that although Hong Tong could not be
de ended against a major power in occupation of the Chinese ainland, It could be used as an operational navel and air base in a war in the Paciic in which China was in friendly hands.
The Defence Comittee also agreed that forces of the order of une brigade and half a flying-boat squadron, with units of the British Pacific Fleet providing such naval co-operation as might be necessary, would be req ired in peace for some considerable time to ensure internal security, as a precaution against piracy a d as a deterrent to an
It was further attempt at incursion by Chinese guerillas.
agreed that the present arrison of two brigades should e reduced to une brigade or this purpose, directly that the re-establishment of the rolice Force permitted which I understand will be by about 1st January, 1947.
In light of the above decisions the Chiefs of staff have recently ind under consideration the f ture Larrison of Hong Kong.
While it is appreciated that it may be desirable to retain British troops in ong Kong, the amover allocated to the Army will not permit the provision of . Ary truops. The army brigade at present in Hong Kong is an Indian Brigade and its retention there is subject to the agree ent of the India Government, whose continued acquiescence in this respect must be considered as very problematical in the future.
In view of the above the Chiefs of Staf invited the jar .ice to raise with the Colonial uftice the question of the provision 3 a folice Force or dendarmerie capable of ensuring the internal security and local protec- tion of the Colony against guerillas. In making this suggestion' the Unies of staf recommended that this force should have as high a proportion of European personnel, on the lines of the Palestine Police, as circumstances would permit.
Sir George Gater, GUG, KCB, DS, JP,
Colonial office,
Whitehall, S.7.1.
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