CO537-(205_1260-1262) — Page 304

ANNEX III

DRAFT TELEGRAM!

From: Cabinet Offices

To:

C.-in-C., Hong Kong.

00253

Following from Chiefs of Staff.

Defence Plan for Hong Kong. 24th December, 1945.

No. 58/2 dated

Ref.

CO 537/1260

THE NATIONAL ARCHIVES

N

restrictions Further information is given in the enclosed Terms and Conditions of supply of National Archives' leaflet i is supplied subject to the National Archives' terms and conditions and that your use of it may be subject to copyrigh

We agree that a major var is unlikely during the next five years, and also that Hong Kong is indefensible against a major power in possession of the Chinese main- 1and. 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 Carrison in Hong Kong should be judged in the light of the following factors :-

(a) Internal security requirements.

(b) The potential danger of an external attack Motor scale including control of the

er.

(c) As a measure of prestige, and as a deterrent

to Chinese aspirations.

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

in manpower.

3. Reference paragraph 2(a), we note that in your appreciation, 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.'

4.

Reference para 2 (b):-

(a) 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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