00 120
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Ref.:
CO 537/1261
THE NATIONAL ARCHIVES
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Ref.:
CO 537/1261
THE NATIONAL ARCHIVES
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 copyrigh
restrictions. Further information is given in the enclosed Terms and Conditions of supply of National Archives' leaßet.
N
14. We consider that an adequate lift for a battalion
in local combined operations should be provided and can be made with six L.C.T's. Those craft will require maintenance parties but provided that they are adequately maintained, we consider that C.-in-C British Pacific Fleet could man 6 L. C. T's in emergency and for training as required.
Air Garrison
15.
The South East Asia 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 adequate radar cover. We note that these points are under investigation by A.C.S.E. A.
Conclusions
16. We conclude that:-
(a)
The
The garrison of Hong Kong should consist of a British force until the security of tho Colony can be assured by a gendarmerie. War Offico and Colonial Office should continue discussions on the formation of the gondarmeric.
(b) The strongth of the garrison should remain
unaltered until the local police and volunteer forces are officient, probably in April.
(c) 3 Commando Brigade should be exchanged as soon as is practicable with Army units at prosent in Malta thereby making available two infantry battalions, which together with a field rogiment should form the British garrison of Hong Kong after April, 1947. The field regiment should be provided by S. A. C. S. E. A. who should also earmark an infantry brigado as a reserve at call within S. E. A. C.
| (a)
The six L, C. T. now in Hong Kong should be retained there and that stops should be taken to secure their adequate maintenance.
Recommendations
17. We recommend that:-
(a) The War Office is invited to continue discussions
with the Colonial Office on the preparation of plans for the formation of a gondarmerie at a later date.
(b) The War Office is invited to arrange with the
Admiralty and Combined Operations Headquarters for the exchange, as soon as practicable, of 3 Commando Brigado with the two batt lions at present in Malta.
ong has stated that the local police
h to allow a reduction of troops ath East Asic Defence Committee #ill therefore be required until Governor should be able to fulfil rces outlined in paragraph 3 above.
f Hong Kong comprises 150 I.S.F.
ade and would meet requirements
in April of police and volunteer
ent concerning 3 Commando Brigade
Hong Kong until April, 1947,
d Operations is prepared to agree
y until 31st May, 1947+. 150 I.S.F. India by the end of 19469 but the ting with the State Rulers for an
1st April, 1917.
Hong Kong after pril, 1947, could tay of 3 Commando Brigade for en
uld, however, be at the expense of st-war asacult force, since the
Hong Kong is called upon to
with the training of a specialised
I this solution.
over is such, however, that we
: should, as a temporary measure
its Commando training, continue
any commitments.
If the Brigade
1 come other station where adequate
be provided, the object would be
the units to relieved would be
It appears to us that Malta is such
itry battalions made available, being strength as 3 Commando Brigade,
it, in our opinion, be an adequate
is the best solution and suggest
made as Boon as is practicable.
rovision of a field regiment for #c consider that this should be resources and that he should also the reserve required.
that
Defence Comittee considers
bat lion lift are available at iruments for the defence of the
atron::ly supports the request of Ts. and six L. C. I. (L)s should be The Commander-in-Chief B.P. F. states care and maintenance parties which
o avoid deterioration of the craft. ed in the Post-War Assault Force X serve at Hong Kong. The L. C.I. (L) raft and will have to be returned
ndin
ated 146.
-3-
Z 1158/SD5
SEXCOS 747 and 762
x J.P. (45)259
7 0.0.8. (46)58th Meeting.
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