CO537-(205_1260-1262) — Page 566

00084

4.

The present garrison of Hong Kong comprises 150 I.S.F. Brigade and 3 Commando Brigade. The latter under presont plans is available until April, 1947+. 150 I.S.F. Brigade is due to return to India by the end of 19460 and we understand that negotiations 7, which are proceeding, for the extension of its atay, may not be successful. If this is the case 3.0SA. should be instructed to make such temporary crrangements as he considers appropriate in the light of the situation in Hong Kong and elsewhere in his Command, since we are unable to supply the short term replacement required for this brigado from outside S.E..C.

GARRISON AFTER APRIL, 1947

Size of Garrison

5. The South East Asin Defence Committee state that since considerable quantities of modern arms have been supplied to China by both the United Kingdom and the U.S... and much equipment has been left behind in the country by the Japanese, the assumption made by the C.-in-C., Hong Kong, in his appreciation, that any attacking army would be adequately equipped still applies. They therefore consider that although re-cotablishment of the local Police Force will allow some reduction of land ferces after April, 1947, one British bride and on field artillery regiment will still be required in the Colony to net as a visible deterrent, while another brigde group should be available within 8.3.1.C. capable of being rapidly transported to Hong Kong in emergency.

Provision of Garrison

6. "We consider that the field regiment and the reserve brigade should be provided from S... 0.S...s own resources. It is at present planned that 3 Commando Brigade should remain in Hong Kong until ..pril, 1947, and the Chief of Combined Operations has recommended that its stay should not be extended after 31st May, 1947+. The shortage of man-power is such, however, that consider 3 Commando Brigade should, as a temporary measure, and provided it can receive its Commando training, continue to assist the ..rmy in its many commitments. With this in view the Chicf of the Imperial General Staff has sugested that the possibility should be examined whether 3 Commando Brigade could form the garrison of M-lta thus making available Army units of approximate equivalent strength to garrison Hong Kong.

58 + 0.0.5.(46) 212

17

Government of India telegram 4660 anted.

31st, August, 1946.

Z 4458/SD5

*SE.COS 747

0.0.s. (46) 147th Meeting

-2-

Ref.:

CO 537/1261

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