CO537-(205_1260-1262) — Page 104

00088

Llable from B.P.F.

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Lisbanded in April last

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CO 537/1260

"THE NATIONAL ARCHIVES

~

restrictions Further information is given in the enclosed "Terms and Conditions of supply of National

Please note that this copy is supplied subject to the National Archives' terms and conditions and that your use of it may be subject to copyright

00089

(9)

It is requested that the Air Forces be brought up to the essential minimum strength as laid down in 8/2 (Hong Kong Defence Plan of 24th Decoriber, 1945).

1.e. One Single Engined Fightor Squadron with P.R. element

attached.

A detachment of three night Fighters.

One Long Range Flying Boat general reconaissance quadron.

Detachments of aircraft to cover the following requirements:

(e) Question,

Meteorological, air sea rescue and communication. Redar cover.

"Implications of withdrawal from HONG KONG in the event of a

major attack ly a Foreign Power".

Answer.

In no circumstances could withdrawal from Hong Kong in the face

of a threat by a Foreign Power be carried out without the

most serious loss of British prestige in the Far East,

If,

as must be assumed, the withdrawal were to lead to the occupation

of the Colony either by the Forces of the Fever that had threatened attack or by Chinese G vernment Forces, Hong Kong would certainly never again become a British possession, whatever might be the result of the ensuing war,

The following further implications may be noted:

(1)

(

(ii)

(iii)

DISTRIBUTION.

Copy

If withdrawal in the event of a particular threat were to be decided upon, it would be absolutely essential that the plan should be treated as a matter of the utmost secrecy, known to the smallest posible number of persons.

It would be a matter of extreme difficulty to include in any such secret plan a scheme for the evacuation The withdrawal of civilians, European or Asiatic.

plan, if decided upon, should probably therefore be drawn up to apply to the Forces only.

In the event of a withdrawal being put into effect it would be necessary to request B..F, and ACSEL to detach the necessary sea and air forces to cover such withdrawal,

Copies Nos. 12, Secretary S.E.A. Defence Committee

No. 3 Secretary of State for the Colonies Y Copies Nos, 4 - 8 H.Q. Land Forces, Hong Kong Copies Nos. 9-10 Copies Nos. 11 412 Copies Nos. 13 214 Copies Nos. 15 & 16 Copies Nos. 17 & 13

C. in C., B.P.F., Hong Kong, v Commodore-in-Charge, Hong Ko... Air officer Commanding, Hongong File, Governor, Hong Kong) File. (Colonial Secretariat, Hong Kong).

N

Ref.:

CO 537/1260 THE NATIONAL ARCHIVES

~

restrictions Further information is given in the enclosed Terms and Conditions of supply of National Archives' leaflet. Please note that this copy is supplied subject to the National Archives' terms and conditions and that your use of it may be subject to copyrigh

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