00062
1)
GARRISON
d
9/6/C.
7
e: 0.0.0.(46) 147th Mtg. Min. 4)
before them a report by the Joint
3, in consultation with the
legrams forwarding the views
East Asia Defence Committee
nin of one song,
the conclusions and recommendations
taff, the following points were
Brigade
IGOR said that the movement of from Hong Kong to Malta would
inued miscmployment. They
a in Malta which would prevent
role for which they wore
sted that their employment as
Kalt should be reviewed in a
PSON said that the War Office nploy numbers of Army units
tage of manpower. Nevertheless,
ommando Brigr.do fulfilled a r location in ilta should tinc.
84
SON and the views of tho replacement of the military
✔ a gendarmerie capable of scurity and local protection
t it was premature to tacke
/ could not foresee a time
› Colony could be effected
Whilst he
tifficulties, he suggested
he Colonial Office should still
3 much work to be dono,
..., the type, ni size o the
oquirta en' when this
re
his planin yas initi. tod
when circurist nces permitted,
o "endarmeric forco in the
very much more quickly, and or withdrawal of th
sted that the Colonial Office inuc discussions with the 'r
of undermoric, even thouch the mint to catablish a locni
11 t future.
:
1 Tooment with this surrostion,
OS 747 rnd 762
-5-
00063
N
Ref.:
CO 537/1261
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Provision of L.C.T's.
SIR RHODERICK MCGRIGOR Baid he was not satisfied with the reasons governing the request for the six L.C.T's to be retained as a reservo in Hong Kong. In the first place, it was not clear for what role they wer required in the defence plan of the Colony, and secondly, he was doubtful of the efficient maintenance of the L.C.T's in the climato of Hong Kong.
The present position w that the six L.C.I.(L) now in Hong Kong were lease/lond craft, and would shortly be returned to the American authorities. Before agreeing to provide the six L.C.T's he surrested that 3. .,5.1.... ch ul! be asked for
details about the annur in lich they were to bu employed, end in view of the n-prver short". c, whether he cnsidered the efficient minton nce pr the L.C.Te was funsible.
There was general greement with this view.
Provision of Garrison Reliefs
LIEUT.-GENERAL SIMPSON said that the relief of No. 3 Commando Brigade in Hong Kong would require two British Infantry Battalions from elsewhere. lle understood that 8.2.0.5.E.A. was planning to relieve the present Indian State Force Brigade by battalions from his own command. He would therefore prefer at this stage not to mention the intention that two battalions to relieve No. 3 Cormando Brigade would be provided from outside S.E...C. Command. The reason for this was that on examination, it might prove more economical to send two hattalions tu S.F.A.C. Command and for S.E.4.C. Command to provide the replacements for No. 3 Commando Brigado.
He therefore suggested that the Committee should approve in principle that the War Office must find the garrison for Hong Kong to replace No. 3 Commando Brigado, and that it should be left to them to work out tha details of how best this could be effected with the forces available.
Thoro we general agreement with this view.
In nвr t. quatim fre... CCCDOES, Lt.-General Sipoon sail there woul1 bu n nuestion,
of withdrein N. 3 Conde brile bufr, their replccnent by ritish Infantry batt 11 ms.
II
could not t this strive n Anto is then these infrntry hatt lions would be sunt to lion · Kanl No. 3 Contend ride within telt:..
THE COMMITTEE:
(a) Invited the War Office to arrange
with the Admiralty for the
move as soon rs practicable of No. 3 Commando Brigade from Hong Kong to Malta.
(b) greed that the location of N. 3 Comendo brigade at Hlt should
be reviewed in a yunr's time.
-G-
N
Ref.
CO 537/1261
THE NATIONAL ARCHIVES
~
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
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