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PLANS FOR THE DEFENCE OF HONG KONG
IN THE PRESENT EMERGENCY
94001/28/48 9400/28/48.
15
in
The appreciation by the Commanders-in-Chief, Far East,
contained in telegram SEACOS 872 of the 15th December, 1948,
amplification of C.I.C.(F.E.)(48)8(P), has been considered in the
Culunial Office in the light of recent telegraphic correspondence
with the Governor of Hung Kong. From this correspondence it is
clear that certain of the suggestions and assumptions of the
Commanders-in-Chief as to the extent to which the civilian security
forces could be able to deal with the internal security problems
which might arise, without very substantial support from the
military forces, are unwarranted. As will be seen from
paragraph 4(iv) below, the support required from the military
might, in certain circumstances, involve the employment of the
whole of the infantry garrison. It is accordingly requested that,
when considering the appreciation of the Commanders-in-Chief,
the Chiefs of Staff will alsu take into account the considerations
adduced below.
2"
(A) In their appreciation the Commanders-in-Chief, Far
East, assess the furces required to meet possible emergencies in Hong Kong as follows:-
4 infantry battalions, 1 field regiment R.A.,
1 dual purpose Coast Artillery/Heavy A.A. Regiment,
1 Brigade Group in reserve available as reinforcement at short notice.
(B) They emphasise the need for freeing the garrison for its
primary task of resisting external aggression, by establishing an Auxiliary Folice Force and an organisation tu deal with refugees.
/(c)