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CO 537/1260

THE NATIONAL ARCHIVES

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Phase III - A further reduction in the garrison

must depend entirely on conditions

in China. It is not possible to say at this stage whether any garrison will be required, and if so, how large.

Requirements for Defence of Hong Kong

12. On the basis of the policy set out in the previous paragraphs, we have examined at Annex II .-in-C. Hong Kong's detailed recommendations, and the following is

a summary of our conclusions: -

(a)

(b)

We doubt the necessity of locking up in

Hong Kong local Naval defence forces on the scale proposed, as the British Pacific Fleet based on Hong Kong should afford sufficient local protection, in particular for the suppression of piracy and other acts of violence, Certain additional ships may, however, be placed in reserve at Hong Kong, which would be available for service should this be called for.

The Army Harrison required in ench of the

three phases given in paragraph 11 above ia as follows:-

Phase I

Phase II

Phase III

-Prosent garrison of two

brigades.

- One brigade.

Further reduction which must

depend on the internal situation in China,

(c) A detachment of half a Flying Bont Squadron

is sufficient air garrison for the Colony, reinforcementa, if required, being drawn from elsewhere within the theatre.

(a)

(e)

The provision of fighter, A.4. and naval

defences are affected only by our long term policy of providing for the possible need to use Hong Kong as an operational naval and air base, These parts of C.-in-0. Hong Kong's defence plan should, therefore, bu examined by the Defence of Bases Committee and the Service Ministries.

The establishment of a Joint Intelligence

Committee at Hong Kong should be authorised.

There are considerable advantages to be

gained from the formation of a volunteer Police Force, This is a matter primarily for the Colonial Office, who, w suggest, should be invited to consider this question. The formation of volunteer or auxiliary Forces of the three Services should be considered by the three Service Ministries and the Colonial Office in the light of the D.B.C. Report.

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