1
00096
The advantages of establishing such a nucleus would be :-
13.
(a) to allow a quick build of the complete force
in umergency;
(b) to afford opportunity of training with the
present military garrison;
(c) make up any deficiency consequent on the exchange
of 3 Commando Brig.de with the battalions from Malta.
We consider therefore that the War Office should
open discussions with the Colonial Office with a view to the establishment as soon as possible of a nuclous gendarmeric. At the same time the views of the South East Asia Defence Committee and of the Hong Kong Goverment and Dofence Committee, on this matter, should be sought.
Conclusions
13.
We conclude that:-
(a) Thu strength of the garrison of Hong Kong shoul.d
ronin unaltered until the local police and volunteer forces are officicnt, which it is expected will be by April.
(b) 3 Commando Brigadu should be exchanged as soon
s is practicable with ry units at present in Malta, thereby anking available two infantry battalions which, together with a field regiment, shoul for the British rrison of Hong Kong after ril, 1947. The field regiment should be provided by 5... 0, 8, d. l. who should also carmark an Infantry brigado ng a reserve at call withir. S. E.... C.
(c) As it is hoped that the eventual carrison of Hong long will bʊ a gendarmerie, and since commitments may necessitato tho withdrawal et short notice of the military garrison, it would be provident to consider now the cstablishment of a nucleus force as soon as possible.
(a) The landing craft required for Hong Kong can only be
maintained at the expense of other approved commitments.
Recommendations
14.
We recommend that:-
(a) The War Office is invited to open discussions
with the Colonial Orrico regarding the establishment, 8 30on a possible, of a nucleus gendarmorio.
(b) The Ar licu is invited to arrange with the
Mani:lty and Combined Operations Headquarters for the exchange, as soon as practicable, of 3 Comando delgade with the two battalions at present in eita.
(c) The telegram t Annux is despatched to S. a. C. S. E. A.
Offices of the Cabinot and
Minister of Dufuncu, S. 7.1.
28TH OCTOBER, 1946.
----
Ref.:
CO 537/1261
THE NATIONAL ARCHIVES
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