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CO 537/1261

THE NATIONAL ARCHIVES

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

Provision of L.C.T's

SIR RHODERICK MCGRIGOR said he was not satisfied with the reasons governing the request for the six L.C.T's to be retained as a reserva in Hong Kong. In the first place, it was not clear for what role they were required in the defence plan of the Colony, and secondly, he was doubtful of the efficient maintenance of the L.C.T's in the clim: to of Hong Kong.

The present position w: that the six L.C.I.(L) now in Hong Kong were lease/lend craft, and would shortly be returned to the American authorities. Before agreeing to provide the six L.C.T's ho surrested that 3. ..8..... sh ull hu take for duthile about the armor in lich they were t bu cnployed, and in view of the on-arvor short.c, whether he considered the officiunt intenence of the L.C.Ts es funsiblo.

There was general agreement with this view.

Provision of Garrison Reliefs

LIEUT.-GENERAL SIMPSON said that the relief of No. 3 Commando Brigade in Hong Kong would require two British Infantry Battalions from elsewhere. He understood that S.A.C.5.E.A. was planning to relieve the present Indian State Force Brigade by battalions from his own command. He would therefore prefer at this stage not to mention the intention that two battalions to relieve No. 3 Commando Brigade would be provided from outside S.E.A.C. Command. The reason for this was that on examination, it might prove more economical to send two hattalions to S.E.A.C. Command and for B.E... Commant to provide the replacements for No. 3 Commando Brigade.

He therefore suggested that the Committee should approve in principle that the War Office must find the garrison for Hong Kong to replace No. 3 Commando Brigade, and that it should be left to them to work out tha details of how best this could be effected with the forces available.

There was general agreement with this view,

In answer ti qustim fr.I GOT DONE.ES, Lt.-General Simpson sal! there woul1 bu n question, of withdrawin· No. 3 Conde bri lo buf. their replccnicnt by British infantry batt 11 no. could not t this strive 1. anto is to when theso infrntry bett lions would be funt to Hon Kanl No. 3 Contarini ri de vithram tilt:..

THE COMMITTEE:

(a) Invited the War Office to arrange

with the Admiralty for the

move as soon s practicable of

No. 3 Commando Brigade from Hong Kong to Malta.

(b) ruud that the location of N. 3 Comando briendo at Melt ehuld

be reviewed in " year's time.

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