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00248
N
THE NATIONAL ARCHIVES
ANNEX II
EXAMINATION OF C.-in-C.. HONG KONG'c RECOIPIENDATIONS
In preparing his appreciation, the C.-in-C. makes two assumptions about reinforcements, both of which are incorrect. Firstly he bases naval requirements on the assumption that the British Pacific Fleet might not immediately be available, and secondly regarding army reinforcements he assumes that no
The British Pacific additional support would be forthcoming.
Fleet will be based on Hong Kong, and it is most unlikely that in the event of a serious threat of attack from the Chinese Mainland
Regarding the Fleet will not be available to provide support. our land forces, if an attack on Hong Kong were visualised, reinforcements should certainly be forthcoming.
Naval
2.
Admiral Harcourt's estimated naval requirements are
A local defence flotilla of
4 Destroyers or Frigates
2 River Gunboats
2 Flotillas of 8 H.D.M.Ls.
The following craft for Combined Operations:-
6 L.C.Ta
6 L.C.I.Le
:-
In addition, the provision of 1 L.S.I.M. would be desirable for a Brigade Lift.
The local defence flotilla would be used for anti-piracy
and inshore anti-smuggling patrols, and also as a striking force against any enemy naval forces or organised enemy amphibious assault forces.
The landing craft are to provide the lift for a minor military expedition to the China Corst.
The two river gunboats are asked for to give support by bombardment in the Bias Bay area, where some of the waters are so
They could shallow that only unboats are suitable for this duty.
be held in reserve at Hong Kong and used as depot ships for minor war vessels in the meanwhile.
In addition, C.-in-C., Hong Kong,, estimates that 4 YMB and
4 H.D.M.Ls would be required for minesweeping duties.
Comment
3. We do not agree that the formation of a local defence flotilla is required. Prior to 1939, anti-piracy patrols were part of the normal duties of destroyers in the China Fleet, and we consider that this duty should now be undertaken by the British Pacific Fleet.
At present there are three gunboats on passage to Singapore
The re-institution of where they will be placed in reserve. H.M. gunboat patrols on Chinese rivers is dependent on political developments, but we do not see ny disadvantage in keeping two of these ships in reserve at Hong Kong.
Bet:
Please note that this o
zy is supplied subject to the National Archives'
CO 537/1260
restrictions. Further information is given in the enclosed Terms and Conditions of supply of National Archives' leallet
ns and conditions and that your use of it may be subject to copyright
-8-
2
THE NATIONAL ARCHIVES
CO 537/1260
ཊྛོ
N
restrictions. Further information is given in the enclosed Terms and Conditions of supply of National Archives' leaflet Please note that this copy is supplied subject to the National Archives' terms and conditions and that your use of it may be subject to copyright