G
00085
7. This suggestion has been examined and it appears that
it would present no insuperable administrative difficulties. The present ..rmy garrison of Malta being moreover two infantry battalions is of approximately the same strength as 3 Comundo Frigade. lthough n dibeat exchange is not practicable, two infantry brttalions from elsewhere
could be used to form the garrison of Hong Kong, being replaced by units from alta.
8.
.s regr.rds Commaplo training the 0.0.0. Malta has forwarded a statement" concerning present garrison duties in Malta, and Chief of Combined Operations agrees that these allow adequate training periods.
9. In view of the above we consider that the proposed solution is practicable and we sugest that it should be effected without delay.
Provision of Landing Craft
that
10. The South Brat sin Defence Committee considers unless lnndin: craft for battalion lift are available at Hong Kong the minimum requirements for the defence of the
Colony will not be met and strongly supports the request of the Governor that six L.0.7s. and six L.C.I.(L)s should be retained and maintained. The Commander-in-Chief B.F.F. states that he cannot provide the care and maintenance parties which are required permanently to avoid deterioration of the craft. These craft are not included in the Post-ing sonult Force but have been placed in reserve at Hong Kong. The L.C.I.(L) are, however, lease lend craft and will have to be returned to the U.3. ..uthorities.
11. In view of South Enat ..sia Defence Committee's strong recommendation, we consider that a lift for one battalion should be provided and ouest that six L.C.Ts will be sufficient for this purpose. These craft will require maintenance parties but, given this, we consider that C.-in-C. B.F.F. should be able to maintain them in emergency and for training no required. Observing that the Post-Ter Assault Force will not no be formed until 1952 we feel that maintenance parties might for the present be available from the United Kingdom and we consider they would gain valuable experience in practices at Hong Kong.
Lir Gerrison
12.
The South East sin Defence Committee has agreed that the proposed air garrison is sufficient and the Governor has expressed his agreement provided that satisfactory arrangements are made for reinforcements and the provision of adegunte rader cover. e note that these points are under
investigation by
.C.S.3....
+ Appendix
#SE.COS 747 and 762
6 J.P.(45) 259
7 0.0.8.(46) 58th lecting
~3~
2
CO 537/1261
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