- 2-
(g) the political and economic uncertainty in China from which Hong Kong cannot be divorced, the Nationalist forces in Kwantung are continually driving Communist alias bandit forces of anything up to 500 in strength against our land and sea frontiers
(b) and finally the inability of the civil administration at the present to take over the physical administration of outlying districts and islands in the new territories.
3.
at present there is no artillery in Hong Kong and it is felt strongly that the garrison is unbalanced so long as this state continues.
4.
Recommendations
(a) that there should be no reduction in
the present strength of the garrison of two brigades,
one at least of which must remain British
(b) that a regiment of field artillery
should be included in the garrison.
5.
The above recommendations were discussed
with Admiral Mountbatten during his recent visit to Hong Kong and he agreed.
irculation
Defence office
Foreign uffice
First Lou Lord
C.6.Tels
A. M. C.3.
Secretary of State for Colonies Secretary of State for Dominions Secretary of State for India General Sir Mosley Mayne
TOO 2509382
CO 537/1262
THE NATIONAL ARCHIVES
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