00134
7.
Mine sweeping The provision of mine sweepers cannot be considered essential in view of the J.I.C. estimate that mining is only likely if hostilitics break out with tho Central Government of China and that the likelihood of this in the next 10 years is so remoto as to be negligible. The question of laying up reserve minesweepers at Hong Kong, as an insurance, should, however, be considered when mine clearance operations have beon completed in the Far East.
ARMY
Ref.:
CO 537/1260 THE NATIONAL ARCHIVES
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8. C.-in-C. Hong Kong, estimates the land forcus required as one division loss one brigade disposed as follows:-
Control of Frontiur
and New Territories
Kowloon
Hong Kong Island
One Brigade Group plus Div. Recce. and Div. M.G. Battalion
One Brigade Group less
one battalion
Two Battalions (including
Divisional Defence Battalion)
He also status that there is a requirement for an assault lift for on brigade for a minor seaborne expedition to the China Coast in the event of a serious deterioration of the Chinesc situation.
Comment
9. The C.-in-C's requirements are based on his appreciation of forces required to meet a threatened attack by a Chinese War Lord with a force of 75,000 men.
the
The present garrison consists of two brigades; second brigade has been provided primarily for policu duties sincu the Hong Kong Police Force is not yet of adequate strength. The Colonial Office have stated that they have for long time post regarded the recruiting and despatch of adequate reinforcements to the European Police Force in Hong Kong as a matter of urgency and importance, and we understand that the Police Force should be up to strungth by January 1947.
The C.-in-C's appreciation is presumably based on a combination of the tactical requirements of the ground and the strongth and armament of a potential attacker. We cannot question his views on the forces required tactically but our consultations with tho J.I.U. load us to the view that an attack by a Chinese War Lord is exceedingly improbuble if there is a garrison of the nature of a brigade in being as a deterrent,
10.
Having regard to our world wide commitments and overall shortage of troops, we have recommended" and the Defence Committee have approved that the garrison should be progressively reduced as follows:-
1 D.0.(46) 30
ni. OD.0. (46) 7th Meeting
I
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