CO537-(205_1260-1262) — Page 261

ANNEX III

DRAFT TELEGRAM

002 20

From: -

Cabinet Office.

To:-

C.-in-C. Hong Kong

rptd. C.-in-C. B.P.F.

Following from Chiefs of Staff.

Reference your lio. 58/2 dated 24th December, 1945, Derence Plan for liong Kong.

2. We agree that a major war is unlikely during the next five years and that liong Kong is indefensible against a major power in possession of the Chinese mainland.

However Hong Kong may provide an operational naval and air base in a future Pacific war in which Chinu is friendly or neutral.

3.

We consi or that the primary duties of the forces stationed at Hong Kong will be:-

(a) To provide an arme backing to assist the

Police in maintaining internal security.

c.m

Ref.

CO 537/1260

THE NATIONAL ARCHIVES

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4.

(b)

To control the frontier.

(0)

To protect shipping against piracy.

(d) To uphold British prestige and as a deterrent

to Chinese aspirations.

In the light of the above, comments on your requirements are as follows.

5.

Nevy We agree gener:.lly with your Naval requirements for the defence of Hong Kong.

The

In view of iprobability of mine laying however we do not consi or the provision of the 4 B.Y.M. S. essential. proposed reduction in army forces and the improbability of hostilitice with the Central Government of China will render the requirement for an L.S.I. (M) unnecessary.

We agree that four lostroyers or frigates will be requir to operate from Hong Kong. The British Pacific Flectill however be based on Hong Kong and it is more convenient that this duty should be undertaken, for the prosent, by ships detached from the British Pacific Fleet rather than by forming a special local del'ence flotilla.

6. Army. Once the police force has been brought up to an arquate strength wu do not consider that more than one brigade is requiry. You should take up with the War Office the question of the necessary supporting arms.

7. Air Force. We consider that a detachment of half a flying boat aquadron for anti-piracy duties should be sufficient peruanont air garrison.

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