00322

Ref:

CO 537/1260

THE NATIONAL ARCHIVES

2

restrictions. Further Information is given in the enclosed Terms and Conditions of supply of Nationa

that this copy is supplied subject to the National Archives' terms and conditions and that your use of it may be subject to copying

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Ilo.58/2

The Secretary to

The Chiefs of Staff Committee, Cabinet Offices,

LONDON.

00323

OFFICE OF THE COLANDER-IN-CHIEF

HONG KONG

24th December, 1945.

cma

Ref.:

CO 537/1260

THE NATIONAL ARCHIVES

restrictions Further information is given in the enclosed Terms and Conditions of supply

Please note that this copy is supplied subject to the National Archives and Conditions of supply of National Archives' leatet.

Subject: HONG KONG DEFENCE PLAN.

In accordance with a policy indicated by the Chief of the Imperial General Staff during his visit to Hong Kong in Noveber, submitted herewith is an appreciation of defence requirements for the Colony, including the liat Territories.

2.

(2)

(>)

(c)

(a)

3.

(c)

The appreciation has been based on the following assumptions:- That a major war between the powers is unlikely for the next five years.

That the throat durinis period may come from an army led

by a var lord from the southern Chinesc Provincos.

That internal unrest and civil war in China Light lead to a Guerilla army marching on the Colony.

That an attacking force would be mainly military, possibly supported by a small ill-trained technically inferior air farco; the attack possibly supported by piratical raids on coastal shipping.

That the scale of attack by land forces would not exceed 75,000 troops.

It is considered that in round terms the following forces would be required for the defence of the Colony to meet the threat aan attack on the lincs assumed above.

ROYAL NAVY.

It is assumed that support from the British Pacific Fleet

might not be available immediately, except for air group of one Light

Fleet Carrior and a Fleet Requirements Unit.

A local defonce flotilla of 4 Destroyers or Frigates

2 River Gunboats

2 Flotillas of 8 LD.L L's.

The following craft for combined operations:-

6 LC. T's.

6 L. C. I. L's.

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