15
合
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TOP SECRET CYPHER TELEGRAM
RECEIVED BY 0.T.P.
FROM: G.H. Q., FAR EAST LAND FORCES
ΤΟ : MINISTRY OF DEFENCE, LONDON INFO: H.Q., LAND FORCES, HONG KONG
SEACOS 878
94001/28/469
ΙΖ IZ 271
TOO 271500GH
(2707302)
TOR 281645Z
27th January, 1949
From FEDSEC for Chiefs of Staff from British Defence Co-ordination Committee, Far East.
Info: H.Q., Land Forces, Hong Kong, for Secretary, Local Defence Committee.
r(10)
We have considered the points raised in COSSEAS 665 and 666 in consultation with the Governor of Hong Kong and Paskin of Colonial Office.
2. In view of the much altered conditions in the
Chinese civil war we have asked the Hong Kong Local Defence Committee for up to date estimates of the probable threats to Hong Kong and when they are likely to occur, at the same time telling them that in our view a serious internal security threat may, develop at any time. We hope to receive their report and send you a fresh appreciation within three weeks.
34/48
3 In the meantime the Commanders-in-Chief adhere to 16/48 their views as already expressed in SEACOS 872 and 874 and wish to emphasise that if threats which require to be met by more than the existing garrison of Hong Kong arise before troops can be spared from Malaya, the troops will have to be provided from outside the theatre.
4.
An estimate of the dates on which forces are likely to be able to be spared from Malaya will be included in our new appreciation.
5.
The Commanders-in-Chief consider that accelerating the raising of new battalions for the Malay Regiment even if officers can be provided by the War Office cannot affect the relief of troops from Malaya for Hong Kong or elsewhere until the late autumn. Even then only one extra battalion will have been raised and therefore cannot affect the position by filling the gap before the battalion of the Hong Kong Defence Force is effective
CIRCULATION
D. C. O. R.
Foreign Office
War Registry, Admiralty
Message Control, War Office
Registry Telegrams, Air Ministry
Chief of Combined Operations Staff
Secretary of State for Colonies Colonel Leisching, Colonial Office
TOO 271500GH