CO537-(205_1260-1262) — Page 303

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Please note that this co

to the National Archives

CO 537/1260

THE NATIONAL ARCHIVES

;

N

il your use of it may be subject to copyright

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

ANNEX III

DRAFT

TELEGRAM

From:

Cabinet Offices

•

To:

C.-in-C., Hong Kong.

00253

N

Ref

CO 537/1260 THE NATIONAL ARCHIVES

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

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

Following from Chiefs of Staff.

Defence Plan for Hong Kong. No. 58/2 dated

24th December, 1945.

We agree that a major war is unlikely during the next five years, and also that Hong Kong is indefensible against a major power in possession of the Chinese main- land. In this connection we do not consider that China constitutes a major power at any rate at present.

2. The scale of forces to be maintained as a peace-time garrison in Hong Kong should be judged in the light of the following factors :-

3.

(a) Internal security requirements.

(b) The potential danger of an external attack Protor serle including control of the

ntier. (c) As a measure of prestige, and as

to Chinese aspirations.

a deterrent

(a) Our world-wide commitments and need for economy

in manpower.

Reference paragraph 2(a), we note that in your *ppreciation, you state that the most likely form of outside attack is by infiltration of agents into the Chinese population to foment unrest. We agree with this view, and consider that interruption of food and other supplies to Hong Kong might well be carried out at the same time. To meet those threats a well-trained police force is required rather than a large garrison. The provision of police reinforcements is being dealt with as a matter of urgency by the Colonial Office.

Reference para 2 (b):-

4.

(e) We do not consider that an attack by an

army of 75,000 Chinese with some air support is more than a remote possibility at present.

(b) In order to get adequate warning of any

attack, close liaison with H.M. Embassy in China is very desirable.

We agree with your proposal to form a Joint Intelligence Centre, including civil representation and employment of reliable agents for reporting from the mainland.

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