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13. Air Support. In addition, aircraft are required to support the land forces, to attack junks and sampans, and for sea reconnaissance.
The squadron at present planned for reinforcement should be increased in strength to 16 aircraft, and this, allowing 8 aircraft for air defence, would provide 8 aircraft for air support. The remaining fighter squadron in Malaya could reinforce Hong Kong at short notice, and in emergency the light bomber squadron from Singapore could also be sent to Hong Kong.
The five flying boats at present at Hong Kong will be adequate for sea reconnaissance.
If further air support is required, a light fleet carrier could reach Hong Kong from the Mediterranean in some three weeks, Due to the limited capacity of Kui Tak, naval aircraft would in the main have to be carrier operated: carrier was required to operate for more than three months serious logistic complications would arise.
if the
14. Internal Security. We consider that one infantry brigade, with the assistance of the battalion of the Hong Kong Volunteer Defence Force now forming, would be adequate to maintain internal security in Kowloon and Hong Kong and to provide mobile columns to deal with seaborne infiltration. however, the attack was prolonged and the situation deteriorated, it might be necessary to reinforce these troops by up to one infantry brigade.
Forces Required
If,
15. We conclude from the above that the following garrison would be strong enough to hold local or guerilla attacks for a considerable period. Moreover, its presence would show our determination to hold the Colony and should thus deter the Communists from open hostilities.
Navy The Far Eastern Squadron au mented by local
patrol craft manned from the cruisers on the station.
Army
Two infantry brigades
Air Force
One armoured regiment
Two field regiments
One composite AA regiment
Ancillary administrative units
One fighter/ground attack squadron of 16 aircraft Fighter control and early warning radar
5 Sunderland flying boats
and 7-
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