00170
THE NATIONAL ARCHIVES
CO 537/1260
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Phase III - A further reduction in the garrison
must depend entirely on conditions
in China. It is not possible to
say at this stage whether any garrison will be required, and if so, how large.
Requirements for Defence of Hong Kong
12. On the basis of the policy set out in the previous paragraphs, wo have examined at Annex II .-in-C. Hong
Kong's detallud recommendations, and the following is a summary of our conclusions:-
(a)
(b)
We doubt the necessity of locking up in
Hong Kong local Naval defence forces on the scale proposed, as the British Pacific Flect based on Hong Kong should afford sufficient local protection, in particular for the suppression of piracy and other acts of violence. Certain additional ships may, however, be placed in reserve at Hong Kong, which would be available for service should this be called for.
The Army garrison required in each of the
three phases riven in paragraph 11 abovu is as follows:-
Phase I
Phase II
Phase III
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Prosent garrison of two
brigades.
One brigado.
Further reduction which must
depend on the internal situation in China.
(c) A Actachment of half a Flying Boat Squadron
is sufficient air garrison for the Colony, reinforcements, if required, being drawn from elsewhere within the theatre.
The provision of fighter, A.A. and naval
defences are affected only by our long term policy of providing for the possible noed to use Hong Kong as an operational naval and air base. Those parts of C.-in-C. Hong Kong's defence plan should, therefore, be examined by the Defence of Bases Committee and the Sorvice Ministries,
(d) The establishment of a Joint Intelligence
Committee at Hong Kong should be authorised.
(e) There are considerable advantages to be
gained from the formation of a volunteer Police Force. This is a matter primarily for the Colonial Office, who, we suggest, should be invited to consider this question. The formation of volunteer or auxiliary Forces of the three Services should be considered by the three Service Ministries and the Colonial Office in the light of the D. 5.C. Report,
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