00237
of any sizo against Chinese territory, no mattor how sorious the deterioration in the Chinose situation,
In this caso it is unloss Hong Kong is attacked. unlikely that wo should be able to spare the necessary
We do not, therefore, reserves for such an expedition. consider that the provision of a brigade lift is required at Hong Kong.
Thore would, however, appear to be a requiremont to land small forcos on the islands of the Colony itself in order to maintain a show of force and to ensure intornal socurity. 6 L. 3. T. and 6 L. C. I. (L) will be at
Hong Kong in Care and ¡aintonanco, and could bo used when required.
Air Forces
12.
The C.-in-C., Hong Kong, considers that the following measures for air defence are essential:-
(a) Air forces consisting of:-
(1) 1 S. E. Fightor Squadron with
F. R. alement ombodied.
(11) A dotachment of 3 Twin-onginod
Night Fightore.
(iii) Long Range General Reconnaissance
Squadron.
(iv) Detachments of aircraft for
meteorological, air sea rosquo and
communication duties.
(b) Efficiont radar cover.
(c) Fighter operations room, filter room and
G. C. I. facilities.
(d) Anti-aircraft dofonco.
(o) Facilitics for air lift.
(f) A reinforcement plan.
Comment
13. C.-in-C., Hong Kong's recommendations are based on the assumption that anomy air attacks might be made by mixod formations of low fighting ability, consisting of 30 to 40
Annex I shows bombors escorted by 12 to 15 mixod fightors.
that this scalo of attack is unlikely to materialise. Providing, therefore, that air reinforcements are available for Hong Kong, wo do not consider that there is justification for the size of air forces which the C.-in-C. recommends.
Wo consid.r that one fighter squadron and ono gunoral roconnaissanco squadron would be sufficient to meet the throat envisaged. It should be possible to reinforce from
C. 3. E. A. 's resources and ship borne aircraft from the B. P. F. in caso of necessity.
-10-
Ref:
CO 537/1260
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