CO537-(205_1260-1262) — Page 299

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CO 537/1260

THE NATIONAL ARCHIVES

In

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

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

00250

7.

Regarding the provision of an assault force, we do not consider that we should be justified in mounting an operation against Chinese territory, no matter how serious the deterioration in the Chinese situation, unless Hong Kong was attacked. In this case it is unlikely that we should be able to spare the necessary reserves for such an expedition. We do not, therefore, consider that the provision of a Brigade Lift is required at Hong Kong.

There would, however, appear to be a requirement to land small forces on the islands of the Colony itself in order to maintain a show of force and to ensure internal security. As we have seen in paragraph 3 above, 6 L.S.Ts and 6 L. C.I.La will be at Hong Kong in Care and Maintenance, and could be used when required.

8.

We therefore adhere to our previous view that the peace-time garrison of Hong Kong should be one brigade, We consider that when the Police can take over the internal

security commitment, this force will be adequate to carry out the tasks set out above.

Air Forces

9.

C.-in-C., Hong Kong considers that, should minor attack on the colony take place, the scale of enemy air attack will probably in the initial stages, consist of mixed bomber formations of 30 to 40 bombors escorted by 12 to 15 mixed fighters, but it is unlikely that this scale of attack can be sustained. The fighting ability of this force is assessed as low.

To provide reasonable cecurity against the situation visualised above, the C.-in-C. considers that the following measures for defence are essential :-

(a) An efficient and modern fighter force consisting

of :-

(1) 1 8.E. Fighter Squadron with

P.R. elment embodied.

(11) A detachment of 3 win-engined

Night Fighters.

(111) A Long Aange General Reconnaissance

Squadron.

(iv) Detachment of aircraft for

ileteorological air see rescue and communication duties.

(b) Efficient Radar cover.

(c) Fighter operations room, filter room and

G.C.I. facilities.

(a) Anti-aircraft defence.

(e) Facilities for air lift.

(f) A reinforcement plan.

+ J.P. (45) 277

-10-

Ref.:

CO 537/1260

THE NATIONAL ARCHIVES

N

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

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

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