CO537-(205_1260-1262) — Page 588

I

ANTTEX

00097

DRAFT TELEGRAM

From Cabinet Office

To:

S.A.C.S..A.

COSSEA...........................

1.

From Chiefs of Stuff

October, 1946.

Reference recommendations of South East Asia Defence Committed forwarded under your 3.D.A.0.0.9. 747 and 762. 2. We have agreed that the oxisting strength of the garrison should be retained until the police force becomes

In this connection C.-in-C. fully re-established in April.

India is negotiating for the retention of 150 I.S.F. Brigade until April, 1947.

3. We propose to exchange 3 Commando Brigade with Army unite in Malta as soon as practicable thereby making availablo two infantry battalions, which together with a field regiment will form the garrison of Hong Kong after April, 1947. You should confirm that you can provide the field rogiment and carmark an infantry brigade as roservo from your own resources.

4. Six L.C.I.(L) now in Hong Kong are leasc-lend craft and must be returned to American authoritics. The six L.C.T's.

are not included in the post-war assault force and maintenance personnel cannot be provided.

5. It has been suggested that as soon as conditions in

China permit, which we realise may not be for some considerable timc

7

security of the Colony should be oneurod by a gendarmoric. In view of or acute man-power shortage and widespread commitments, however, it is possiblc that we should be forced to withdraw, perhaps at short notice, all regular troops from

We consider therefore Hong Kong and accept a risk there.

that it would be provident to form a nucleus gendarmerie now which could be built up rapidly if required and this matter is under investigation. Such a force could help to make up any deficiency conscquent on the exchange of 3 Commando Brigade with the Malta battalions. for your views on this proposal.

Wo should be grateful

-5-

N

Ref.:

Please note that this o

CO 537/1261

THE NATIONAL ARCHIVES

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

APPENDIX

GARRISON DUTLET IN HALTA

(AT SIDIK " " to CHO/560/A dated October, 1946)