CO537-(205_1260-1262) — Page 226

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Ref.:

CO 537/1260

THE NATIONAL ARCHIVES

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(g) the political and economic uncertainty

in China from which Hong Kong cannot be divorced, the Nationalist forces in Kwantung are continually driving Communist alias bandit forces of anything up to 500 in strength against our land and sea frontiers

(h) and finally the inability of the civil administration at the present to take over the physical administration of butlying districts and islands in the new territories.

3.

at present there is no artillery in Hong Kong and it is felt strongly that the garrison is unbalanced so long as this state continues.

4.

Recommendations

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(a) that there should be no reduction in

the present strength of the garrison of two brigades, one at least of which must remain British

(b) that a regiment of field artillery

should be included in the garrison.

5.

The above recommendations were discussed

with Admiral Mountbatten during his recent visit to Hong Kong and he agreed.

1

irculation

Defence office

Foreign office

First Sea Lord

C.6.Tels

A. M. C.3.

Secretary of state for Colonies Secretary of State for Dominions Secretary of State fur India General Sir Mosley mayne

TUO 2509382

سا

1

Ref:

CO 537/1260

THE NATIONAL ARCHIVES

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

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