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CO 537/1260

THE NATIONAL ARCHIVES

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Comment

10. As we have seen from the J.I.C. report, the air attack which C.-in-C. Hong Kong envisages is only likely in the event of open hostilities breaking out with the Central Government. Providing, therefore, that air reinforcements are available for Hong Kong, we do not consider that there is justification for the size of air forces which the C.-in-C. recommends.

In our "Review of Service Commitment between 1947 and 1951"+, the following squadrons have been allocated

.to the Far East, at present under the command of A.C.S.E.A. :-

3 Ground Attack Squadrons

1 Light Bomber Squadron

2 Coastal Strike Squadrons

2 Transport Squadrons;

1 P.R. Squadron.

and

These forces will be disposed between Burma, Malaya and Hong Kong. It will be necessary, therefore, for C.-in-C., Hong Kong, to approach A.C.S.E.A. giving his requirements.

We adhere to our views expressed in J.P. (45) 277 and do not consider that Admiral Harcourt has made out a sufficiently strong case to justify an increase in the overall air strength of the Far Eastern theatre.

11. The proposed radar lay-out in Hong Kong, uses

This equipment either hold or allocated to the colony.

It is anticipated is drawn from A.C.S.E.A. 's resources.

that new up-to-date equipment will supersede that now in use, and A.C.S.E.A. has been requested to bear this in mind when siting his existing sets to avoid having to re- site the new types. C.-in-C., Hong Kong's plan does not state whether this point has in fact been considered when preparing his appreciation.

We consider that the other detailed points raised by C.-in-C., Hong Kong, in his Air Plan should be examined by the Defence of Pases Committee.

Intelligence Organisation

12. C.-in-C., liong Kong, recommends that a Joint Intelligence Committee, including civil representation, be maintained; the services of reliable agents for reporting from the mainland are considered essential.

If we are to keep the garrison down to the minimum

we shall require an official intelligence organisation in order that we may get the earliest possible warning of

The J.I.C., in their report (Annex I impending trouble. paragraph 12), also agree with this course, and recommend that close liaison should be maintained with H.M. Embassy in China.

We therefore endorse C.-in-C's recommendation to establish a Joint Intelligence Centre at Hong Kong.

Volunteer Force

13. C.-in-C. requests for approval in principle to the re-forming of volunteer forces.

We are in agreement with this since it is the most economical method of providing a reserve in the event of minor disturbances.

+

J.P.(45) 277

Air Ministry letter 0.28071/45

ted 30th October, 1945.

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