CO537-(205_1260-1262) — Page 298

00248

ONG KONG' RECOMIENDATIONS

the C.-in-C. makes two

1 of which are incorrect.

1 the assumption that the

ately be available, and

he assumes that no

16.

The British Pacific

it is most unlikely that in

k from the Chinese Meinland

ovide support. Regarding

Kong were visualised, thcoming.

cm

CO 537/1260

THE NATIONAL ARCHIVES

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

se 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

al requirements are :-

yers or Frigntes

Junboats

Las of 8 E.D.M.Ls.

Operations:-

Ls

.S.I.M. would be desirable

be used for anti-piracy

nd also as a striking force anised enemy amphibious

t.

the lift for a minor

for to give support by

ore some of the waters are so

le for thic duty. They could sud as dopot ships for minor

estimates that 4 YMs and

sweeping duties.

on of a local defence flotilla racy patrola were part of the

ina Fleet, and we consider that

the British Pacific Fleet.

ats on passage to Singapore The re-institution of is dependent on political isadvantage in keeping two

5.

00249

2

Ref.

THE NATIONAL ARCHIVES"

CO 537/1260

restrictions. Further information is given in the enclosed

Please note that this copy is supplied subject to the National Archives tend

2

Conditions of supply of National Archives' leaflet

s and that your use of it may be subject to copyngh

The provision of Landing Craft has already been dealt with+; 6 L.C.Ts and 6 L.C.I.Ls are being sent from Singapore

In view to be placed in Care and Maintenance at Hong Kong.

of the J.I.C. report on the general inefficiency of the Chinese Nevy, and that the danger of mining by aircraft is assessed

as small, we do not consider that the provision of . Y. He and H.D.M.L8 is necessary for minesweeping once the waters of the colony have been swept clear of mines.

Army

4.

+

C.-in-C. Hong Kong, estimates the land forces required are a division less one brigade disposed as follows :-

Control of Frontier

and New Territories

Kowloon

Hong Kong Island

One Brigade Group plus

Div. lecce. and Div. M.G. battalion

One Brigade Group less

one battalion

Two Battalions

He also states that there is a requirement for an assault lift for one brigade for a short sea-borne expedition to the China Coast in the event of a serious deterioration of the Chinese situation.

Comment

5. The garrison is required for the following purposes:-

(a) To provide an armed backing to assist the Police

in maintaining internal security.

(b) To counter a potential threat of external attack

on a minor scale, and to control the frontier.

(c) To uphold British prestige, and as a deterrent

to Chinese aspirations.

The Farrison consists of two brigades at the present time;

the second brigade has been provided primarily for police duties, since the Hong Kong Police Force is not yet of adequate strength. The Colonial Office have stated that they have for a long time past regarded the recruiting and despatch of adequate reinforcements to the European Police Force in Hong Kong as a matter of urgency and importance, and steps are being taken to this end,

6. As has been shown in paragraph 6 of our paper above, a direct land assault by a Chinese Army led by a Southern War Lord is considered unlikely to matericlise at the present time.

In the event of an attack appearing, imminent, it should be possible to provide reinforcements as long as we receive adequate warning of the impending attack.

A.M. 230018 Dec. 0.0.8.(45) 694(0)

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