TOP SECRET
ANNEX II
THE DEFENCE OF HONG KONG
We have concluded in Annex I that for political and economic reasons the Communists may very well decide not to attack Hong Kong in the early future even if they quickly overrun the South of China; and that for military reasons they are unlikely to attack the Colohy if it is clear to them that it will be strongly defended.
The Capabilities of the Flanned Garrison
2.
The present British garrison consists of one infantry brigade group, including one field regiment, and
five Sunderland flying boats. Naval support can be provided by ships of the Far East station.
3.
that the
The Defence Committee has recommended garrison should be reinforced as quicly as possible by one infantry brigade group, including one field regiment, one composite A/A regiment and one armoured squadron.
4.
The Commanders-in-Chief, Far East have decided to despatch one fighter squadron of 8 aircraft from Malaya to Hong Kong. One A.O.P. flight of 5 aircraft is alos earmarked to be moved there if required.
5.
X
It has been appreciated that the garrison will then be capable of dealing with the following threats simultaneously:-
(a) internal unrest, probably sponsored by communist
inspired trade unions;
(b) a large scale influx of refugees in numbers beyond
the capacity of the Colony to absorb;
(c)
external aggression by guerilla bands, probably communist inspired.
6.
As regards the third of the above threats, we consider that the garrison would be able to meet external attacks from forces up to a strength of some 30,000 men, bearing in mind the enemy's present lack of air support, his unbalanced equipment and moderate technique, and his lack of armour and mechanical transport.
7.
We conclude that the proposed garrison, being strong enough to defeat any small scale attack and to inflict heavy casualties in a larger scale attack, would in all probability deter the Communists from open hostilities
Defence against Large Scale Attack
8.
We examine below the best method of defence against a large scale attack, and the additional forces which would
be required.
9.
The Communists would have great numbers of troops available for an attack against the Colony, and could provide considerable artillery support. Such an attack would, however, have the following limitations:-
(a) Air support would, in the foreseeable future,
still be lacking.
1 (250)
+ D.O. (49) 12th Mooting, and D,0,(49)32 ASIACOS 801 (18)
x SEACOS 881 and D.0.(49) 12th Meeting
(20)
(7501