7.
-3-
→
I might perhaps add that I understand that to
reinforce Hong Kong now will give a useful stimulus to the
Hong Kong Volunteer Forces where the feeling that the
Colony would not be defended in a major war has tended to
damp local enthusiasm for volunteer activity
8.
I also recommend that Hong Kong should be reinforced
by one of the two Fighter squadrons now in Malaya. It is
thought that this move can be made without any serious
consequence to operations in Malaya, though it should be
noted that if the move of this squadron happens to coincide
with other calls in the Far East for air transport such as
& ain evacuation by from Shanghai or Hong Kong, the effects would
be felt outside the Far East theatre and would mean some
temporary subtraction from the Berlin Air lift.
9.
X
As far as naval reinforcement is concerned, my
colleagues will be aware that the move of a Cruiser, H.M.9.
همه
Jamaica, from the West Indies to Hong Kong has already been
ordered. This ship will arrive on the China coast at the
end of May.
10.
To sum up, I recommend that my colleagues should that agree with the following moves should be put in hand
immediately:-
(a)
brigade group from the United Kingdom to the Far East;
(b) a fighter squadron from Malaya to Hong Kong.
Jennithe of Rexen
of
Cabinet Office, S.W.1,
April 1949.
AVA,