- 3·
given first priority, only reduced forces would then be available for an evacuation at Shanghai. Nevertheless any such evacuation must be as quick as possible and it is clear that under any of the above threats Hong Kong wouldbe unsuitable as a transit base for evacuees. We are raising this matter with the Governor of Hong Kong and also investigating the possibility of using South Japan as a transit base. This would enable evacuation to be completed more quickly with the limited number of merchant ships available by shortening the length of the sea voyage, thus releasing H.M. Ships as early as possible for service at Hong Kong.
7.
Army In the worst case of all possible threats arising simultaneously, at least two brigade groups would be needed in Hong Kong. Single threats such as internal security alone, or refugees alone, would need less but we must be in a position to meet the worst circumstances. One brigade group is already in Hong Kong and the exact detailed composition of the re-inforcing brigade group is being communicated separately to the War Office by the Commander-in-Chief, Far East Land Forces. The Commander- in-Chief, Far East Land Forces, considers that the majority of the re-inforcing troops cannot be found from his theatre resources without serious detriment to the pros- ecution of operations in Malaya. It may be that no part at all of the forces now in Malaya can be spared with safe- ty in the foreseeable future except perhaps temporarily. As a result we feel that roughly one brigade group should be earmarked as a possible re-inforcement to Far East Land Forces for Hong Kong from now until the end of 1949.
8.
Royal Air Force. The Royal Air Force re-inforce ment needed by the Garrison of Hong Kong to meet a combination of all three threats would be 1 Squadron R. A. F. Regiment,1 Squadron F.R. Spitfires. 2 Dakotas equipped for air supply. 4 Austers for coastal reconnaissance against refugees or guerillas.
9.
These forces except for the four Austers are available and Commander in Chief Air Command Far East could at the same time provide Sunderlands for Shanghai evacuation. This might however leave insufficient Sunderlands for a simultaneous evacuation from Burma. Provision of the four Austers depends upon the approval formation and training of the Hong Kong Auxiliary Squadron. Action being taken by the Services.
10. The following action is being or has been taken to meet the three threats to Hong Kong.
(a) The Commander in Chief Far East Station has given approval to refit and prepare a number of harbour craft at present in Hong Kong so that they may be manned from H.M. Ships when required and used for coastal patrols.
(b) The Commander in Chief Far East Land Forces is earmarking one Battalion and one A.O.P. Flight from the security forces in Malaya to be moved to Hong Kong if required.