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THIS DOCUMENT IS THE PROPERTY OF HIS BRITANNIC MAJESTY'S GOVERNMENT

TOP SECRET

The circulation of this paper has been strictly at Chalmers

It is issued for the p

DRAFT C

limited.

Copy No. 48

JOINT

J.I.(46)179(C)(2nd ireliminary Draft)

28TH OCTOBER, 1946

CHIEFS OF STAFF COMMITTEE

JOINT I LANNING STAFF

THE

FUTURE GARRISON OF HONG KONG

Draft Report by the Joint Planning Staff

In anticipation of instructions we have examined two telegrams” from S. A. C. 5. E. A. in which he forwards views concerning the garrison of Hong Kong expressed by South East Asia Defence Committee.

Fresent Freed lolicy

2. The Cabinet Defence Committee's present agreed policy with regard to the dofence of Hong Kong is briefly as follows:-

(a) Since the Colony could not be defended against attack by a major power in occupation of the Chinese mainland, Hong Kong should be regarded as an undefended port as far as fixed defences are concerned.

(b) Directly the re-establishment of the local iolice

Force permitted the present Army Garrison of two brigados should be reduced to ono brigade which, together with half a flying boat squadron, would be required in the Colony for some considerable time. Units of the British Iacific Ficet would provide such local naval co-operation as might be required.

losition up to April, 1947

3. The Governor of Hong Kong has stated that the local polico will not be efficient enough to allow a reduction of troops before April, 1947. The South East Asia Defunce Committee consider that two brigados will therefore be required until this date.

+ SEACOS 747 and 762

D. O. (46) 7th Meeting.

-1-

2

Ref.:

CO 537/1261

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