CO537-(205_1260-1262) — Page 56

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ANNEXI

Copy of letter from D.1.0. to Sir Georgo Galer

1012/B/1005

31 July, 1946.

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Ref.

CO 537/1260

THE NATIONAL ARCHIVES

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

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In March 1946 the Defence Committee approved a policy whereby Hong Kong should be regarded as an undefonded port, and agreed that although Hong Kong could not be defonded against a major power in condition of the Chinoso mainland, it could be used as an operational naval and air base in a war in the Pacific in which China was in friendly hands.

The Defence Committee also agreed that forces of the order of one brigade and half a flying-boat squadron, with units of the British Pacific Fleet providing such nával co-operation as might be necessary, would be required in peace for some considerable time to ensure internal socurity, as a precaution against piracy and as a deterrent to an attempt at incursion by Chinese guerrillas. It was further agreed that the present garrison of two brigades should be reduced to one brigade for this purpose, directly that the re-establishment of the Police Force permitted which I understand will be by about 1st January, 1947.

In light of the above, decisions the Chiefs of Staff have recently had under consideration the futuro garrison of Hong Kong.

While it is appreciated that it may be desirable

to retain British troops in Hong Kong, the manpower allocated to the Army will not permit the provision of U.K. Army troops. The arty brigade ct present in Hong Kong is an Indian Brigade. and its retention thoro is subject to the agreement of the Indian Government, whose continuod acquiescence in this respect must be considered as very problematical in tho future.

In view of the above the Chiefs of Staff invited the War Office to raise with the Colonial Office the question of the provision of a Police Force or Gondarmerie Capable of ensuring the internal security and local protec- tion of the Colony against guerrillas. In making this suggestion the Chiefs of Staff recommended that this force should have as high a proportion of European personnel, on the lines of the Palestine Police, as circumstances would permit.

Since it will probably take some time to form an appropriate force, we h ve felt it only right to point out now the problem which will have to be faced if the present garrison of Hong Kong has to be withdrawn.

If, when you have considered this problem you would like to have any assistance as regards tho -trength and composition of the forco, we smll be pleased to give it.

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CO 537/1260

THE NATIONAL ARCHIVES

N

restrictions. Further information is given in the enclosed Terms and Conditions

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

of supply of National Archives' leaflet.