CO537-(205_1260-1262) — Page 287

III

ELEGRAM

00239

Staff.

lated 24th December, 1945.

is unlikely during the next

is indefensible against a major nese mainland.

Hong Kong against attack by

this is so remote that we do

es to be maintained permanently

is eventuality. Should a

ssible it would be necessary

orarily, and your Defence Plan ity.

es of the forces stationed at

acking to assist the

ng internal security.

1 threat of external

cale and to control

stige and as a

e aspirations.

•

comments on your requirements

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 copyright

y with your Naval requirements

of minelaying however we do

the 4 B.Y.M.S

essential. The ces and the improbability of overnment of China will render M) unnecessary.

yers or frigates will be

Kong. The British Pacific

Hong Kong and it is more

ld be undertaken, for the

m the British Pacific Fleet

al local defence flotilla.

orce has been brought up to an nsider that more than one

ld take up with the War Office supporting arms.

00240

7.

Air Force. We consider that one fighter squadron and one general reconnaissance squadron should be sufficient. It should be possible to reinforce from A.C.8.E.A's resources and from the British Pacific Fleet in case of necessity. Regarding air reinforcement, we do not consider that single- engined aircraft would require staging facilities in China. It should be possible to stage aircraft through French Indo-China.

8. Air Supply. We do not consider that the probable scale of air or naval attack will prevent normal supply and reinforcement by sea. We do not, therefore, consider any special arrangements for air supply over and above normal air transport services are required.

9.

Intelligence organization. We agree with the necessity for a Joint Intelligence Organization including civil representation and for reliable agents reporting from the mainland, Further, we recommend that close liaison should be maintained with H.M. Embassy in China and H.M. Consul General in Canton,

10. Volunteer and Auxiliary Forces. We are in favour of the formation of volunteer and auxiliary forces. This matter will be dealt with by the Colonial Office and Service Ministries,

11.

Provision of Radar, A.A. and other local defences. Detailed recommendations regarding the scale of the above defences to be provided at Hong Kong will follow when the matter has been reviewed by the Defence of Bases Committee.

12. Accommodation. You should submit a revised plan for accommodation based on the forces outlined above for consideration by the Principal Administrative Officers Committee,

13. Copy of J.P. (46) 10 on which the above comments are based follows by fast air.

-13

CO 537/1260

THE NATIONAL ARCHIVES

2

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

■ 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

า