CO537-(205_1260-1262) — Page 388

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TOP SECTET.

against a serious

Land of China,

Section III the

L bo:

as attacking the

umphibious assault

orces.

ur own land forces

Paragraph I (e).

ence during periods

assist (c) and to

smuggling of

by moans of Picket

pt channels clear of

gainst attack by

r craft and junks.

: should over land

for bombardments.

d air support.

la is considered to

, (b) and (e) above,

d are light craft,

mparative quiet

nt vessels can be

lestroyers or

ific Fleet, should

-3-

00333

N

3. BOMBARDMENT FORCES.

Although ships could be drawn from the British Pacifio Fleet to give support by bombardment to land forces in the Bias Bay area, the waters on the western boundarios are so shallow that only river gun-boats are suitable for this duty. As three river gun- boats are believed to be held in reserve on the East Indian Ocean, it is proposed that two of those be transferred to HONG KONG. could be used as dopot ships for minor war vessels employed on in- shore patrol.

4.

PROVISION OF L'IDIG CRAFT.

Those

Sufficient landing craft must be maintained to provide the lift for the minor military expedition outlined in Section V, paragraph I (e). This is for a total of 750 men and 57 vehicles.

5 L. C. T. x. III or IV and 6 LC. I. (1) are considered to be sufficient for this purpose. As it has been recommended that the strength of the garrison in HONG KONG should be increased from 1 Infantry Brigade

IH

to a Division less 1 Infantry Brigado Group, further consideration should be given to the allocation of one LS. I. for use as a Brigado lift and as a depot for other landing craft. This LS. with the romainder of landing craft above could provide lift for a minor expedition to the China Coast (vide Section V (e) and also for transport duties.

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' leaflet

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

5. HE PROVISION OF IN-SHORE PATROL CRAFT.

In order to provide sufficient in-shore patrols to meet the scale, of attack in parag. 1 (f), it is considered that two flotillas of 8 HD. L's should be maintained at HONG KONG. flotilla has already arrived, four of which have been converted Minesweeping duty. Those are only required until such time as the police forces have adequate craft.

One

for

6. PROVISION OF NESTEEPING VELDELS.

It is considered that unco the wators of the Colony have

been swept clear of nines laid prior to the cessation of hostilities with Japan, 4 BYi's and 4 IL D. L's would be sufficient to keep Swopt Charmels open for the passage of ships.

7.

FREVETION OF ATTACK BY SHALL CRAFT, MIDGET SUBLARINES AND IRREGULAR FORCES IN SMPAIS AID JUNKS.

Owing to the large amount of junk traffic and fishing craft plying the waters of HONG KONG, it is not considered practicable to provido positive protection against this form of attack. Prior intelligence of intended attacks and sound internal organization for repelling these attacks by ships in harbour should be relied upon.

8.

AIR SUPPORT.

The air defence of the Colony is the responsibility of the Royal Air Force. Any naval aircraft ashore would be placed at the disposal of the Air Officer Camanding. The following aircraft will

Ref.:

CO 537/1260

THE NATIONAL ARCHIVES

2

restrictions. Further information is given in the enclosed Terms and Conditions of supply of National Archives' leaflet Please note that this copy is supplied subject in the National Archives' terms and conditions and that your use of it may be subject to copyright

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