00248
ONG KONG' RECOMIENDATIONS
the C.-in-C. makes two
1 of which are incorrect.
1 the assumption that the
ately be available, and
he assumes that no
16.
The British Pacific
it is most unlikely that in
k from the Chinese Meinland
ovide support. Regarding
Kong were visualised, thcoming.
cm
CO 537/1260
THE NATIONAL ARCHIVES
restrictions. Further information is given in the enclosed Terms and Conditions of supply of National Archives' leafle
se 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
al requirements are :-
yers or Frigntes
Junboats
Las of 8 E.D.M.Ls.
Operations:-
Ls
.S.I.M. would be desirable
be used for anti-piracy
nd also as a striking force anised enemy amphibious
t.
the lift for a minor
for to give support by
ore some of the waters are so
le for thic duty. They could sud as dopot ships for minor
estimates that 4 YMs and
sweeping duties.
on of a local defence flotilla racy patrola were part of the
ina Fleet, and we consider that
the British Pacific Fleet.
ats on passage to Singapore The re-institution of is dependent on political isadvantage in keeping two
5.
00249
2
Ref.
THE NATIONAL ARCHIVES"
CO 537/1260
restrictions. Further information is given in the enclosed
Please note that this copy is supplied subject to the National Archives tend
2
Conditions of supply of National Archives' leaflet
s and that your use of it may be subject to copyngh
The provision of Landing Craft has already been dealt with+; 6 L.C.Ts and 6 L.C.I.Ls are being sent from Singapore
In view to be placed in Care and Maintenance at Hong Kong.
of the J.I.C. report on the general inefficiency of the Chinese Nevy, and that the danger of mining by aircraft is assessed
as small, we do not consider that the provision of . Y. He and H.D.M.L8 is necessary for minesweeping once the waters of the colony have been swept clear of mines.
Army
4.
+
C.-in-C. Hong Kong, estimates the land forces required are a division less one brigade disposed as follows :-
Control of Frontier
and New Territories
Kowloon
Hong Kong Island
One Brigade Group plus
Div. lecce. and Div. M.G. battalion
One Brigade Group less
one battalion
Two Battalions
He also states that there is a requirement for an assault lift for one brigade for a short sea-borne expedition to the China Coast in the event of a serious deterioration of the Chinese situation.
Comment
5. The garrison is required for the following purposes:-
(a) To provide an armed backing to assist the Police
in maintaining internal security.
(b) To counter a potential threat of external attack
on a minor scale, and to control the frontier.
(c) To uphold British prestige, and as a deterrent
to Chinese aspirations.
The Farrison consists of two brigades at the present time;
the second brigade has been provided primarily for police duties, since the Hong Kong Police Force is not yet of adequate strength. The Colonial Office have stated that they have for a long time past regarded the recruiting and despatch of adequate reinforcements to the European Police Force in Hong Kong as a matter of urgency and importance, and steps are being taken to this end,
6. As has been shown in paragraph 6 of our paper above, a direct land assault by a Chinese Army led by a Southern War Lord is considered unlikely to matericlise at the present time.
In the event of an attack appearing, imminent, it should be possible to provide reinforcements as long as we receive adequate warning of the impending attack.
A.M. 230018 Dec. 0.0.8.(45) 694(0)
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