TOP SECRET
against a major Communist attack. The Commanders-in-Chief, Far East, should be informed of the views of the Committee on this point. They should also be asked for a full appreciation of the scale of a major Communist attack including air support against Hong Kong and for a detailed estimate of the forces needed to meet this threat. In the meanwhile, the Joint Planning Staff should press ahead with the completion of their report without waiting for this appreciation.
THE COMMITTEE
(1) Instructed the Secretary to draft
and dispatch an interim reply
to the Commanders-in-Chief, Far East, in the light of their discussion.
(2) Agreed to give further consideration
to the telegram at the ir forthcoming meeting with the C.-in-C., Far East Land Forces and C.-in-C.,
Air Command, Far East.
Sent as COSSEA 686 SEACOS 903