CO537-(205_1260-1262) — Page 208

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Ref.

CO 537/1260

THE NATIONAL ARCHIVES

restrictions. Further information is given in the enclosed Terms and Conditions of supply of National Archives' leafat 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

11. Regarding the provision of an assault force, we do not consider that we shall be called upon to mount an operation of any size against Chinese territory, no matter how serious the deterioration in the Chinese situation. Wo do not, therefore, consider that the provision of a brigade lift is required at Hong Kong.

There might, however, be a requirement for landing small forces on the islands of the Colony itself to ensure internal security. Certain landing craft (sce paragraph 6 above) will be at Hong Kong in Care and Maintenance, and could be used when required.

AIR FORCES

12. The C.-in-C, Hong Kong, considers that the following measures for air defence are essential:-

(a) Air forces consisting of:-

(i) 1 S.E. Fighter Squadron with

P.R. element embodied.

(ii) A dutachment of 3 Twin-engined

Night Fighters.

(iii) A Long Range General Reconnaissance

Squadron

(iv) Detachments of aircraft for meteorological,

air sea rescue and communication duties.

(b) Efficiunt radar cover.

(c) Fighter operations room, filter room and

G. C. 1. facilities.

(d) Anti-aircraft defence.

(e) Facilities for air lift

(f) A reinforcement plan

Comment

13.

C.-in-C. Hong Kong's recommendations are based on the assumption that enemy air.attacks might be made by mixed formations of low fighting ability, consisting of 30 to 40 bombers escorted by 12 to 15 mixed fighters. Annex I shows that this scule of attack is unlikely to materialise. We do not, therefore, consider that there is justification for the size of air forces which the C.-in-C. recommends.

We consider that a detachment of half a flying boat squadron should be sufficient to carry out anti- piracy pátrols and to provide the air garrison. Reinforcements if required will be drawn from elsewhere in the theatre.

14.

C.-in-C. Hong Kong envisages the possible need

We do not consider for supply and reinforcement by air. that the probable scale of attack is likely to prevent normal supply and reinforcement by sea, although difficultics might arise from organised strikes, and

We do not, disorganisation of local dock labour. therefore, consider that any special measures for air supply are necessary over and above the normal air

transport services.

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