9400128
This is an unparaphrased version of a Secret cypher message and unless it is marked O.T.P. (One Time Pad) or Publex must first be paraphrased if commun- icated to persons outside British and United States Government Services.
Any telegraphic retransmission of a telegram marked Publex must be in a One Time System.
Outward Telegram from Commonwealth Relations Office
४८
DEFENCE & CIVIL AVIATION DEPT.
D. 3246/1
CYPHER
(TYPEX)
TO:
CANADA
AUSTRALIA
NEW ZEALAND
SOUTH AFRICA
INDIA
PAKISTAN
CEYLON
(GOVT.)
11
11
11
11
PRIORITY
(Sent 17.00 hours 6th May, 1949)
H.No.211 TOP SECRET
My telegram H.No.207.
(72)
HONG KONG
D.I
Д
Decision has now been taken to send remainder of
Brigade Group to Hong Kong as carly as possible; to augment
Fighter Squadron which is being moved from Malaya from 8 to 16
aircraft and to collect and arm additional local patrol craft.
This will bring Hong Kong Garrison to following strength:
Navy Far Eastern Squadron augmented by local patrol craft
to be manned from cruisers on station.
Army
Two Infantry Brigades.
One armoured Squadron.
Two Field Regiments.
One Composite A.A. Regiment,
Ancillary Administrative Units.
Air Force One Fighter/Ground Attack Squadron of 16 aircraft.
Fighter Control and early warning radar.
Five Sunderland Flying Boats.
Indication of reinforcements to be sent to Hong Kong was included
in statement by Minister of Defence in House of Commons on
5th May.
2.
It is considered that Garrison thus reinforced would be
strong enough to hold local or guerilla attacks and that evidence
/of our
Page 250Page 251