00118
Ref.:
CO 537/1261
THE NATIONAL ARCHIVES
restrictions. Further information is given in the enclosed Terms and Conditions of supply of National Archives' leaflet.
se 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
PROBLEM
Asia Defence Committee at a meeting considered the views of tho
on the extent of the garrison of conclusions were that since
es of modern arms had boen supplied
United Kingdom and the U.S.A. and
on left behind in the country by umption made by the C.-in-C., rociation, that an attacking army quipped still hold good.
Thoy
that, to act as a deterrent,
а
sh brinde and one field artillery uired permanently in the Colony, group available within S.E.A.C.
rapidly transported to liong Kong
sly been suggested by the War
be undesirable to tie up
ritish troops in Hong Kong and pable of ensuring the internal
y and deterring uerilla incursions
ke their place. While it is
ely a force of this nature will be
th SACSEA that under present
insufficient.
has been represented by SACSEA ssuing Indin were willing to
unsatisfactory as the scle garrison ruo with this view.
re of the abovu, and of the
ish forces in this important
noider that it should be accepted
carrison of the Colony, the
already been approved as of the should consist of a British
led by the Governor of Hong Kong ince Committee. This British
d until the gendermario was
10 security or the colony having
xisting in Chinn at the time.
on duties would be undertaken
rie. At all times it would be inde roup in reserve available
pressing need for economy in the
it would be advisable for the 1 Office to continue discussion rendarmerie. However, owing to castin when it will be possible
ritish garrison we feel it may not lonial Office to procoed beyond
Elmo which might includo, reparation of establishments and consideration of conditions of
5 747
.(46) 193(0).
$ 714, 19th June, 1946.
IMMEDIATE PROBLE
00119
12
THE NATIONAL ARCHIVES
cma
Ref:
CO 537/1261
restrictions. Further information is given in the enclosed Terms and Conditions of supply of Nation
Please note that this copy is supplied subject to the National Archives' terms and conditions and that your use of may be subject
Land Garrison
8.
The Governor of Hong Kong has stated that the local police will not be efficient enough to allow a reduction of troops before April, 1947. The South East Asia Defence Committee consider that two brigades will therefore be required until this date; after that the Governor should be able to fulfil his commitments with the forces outlined in paragraph 3 above. 9. The present garrison of Hong Kong comprises 150 I.S.F. Brigade and 3 Commando Brigade and would meet requirements until the re-establishment in April of police and volunteer forces. The current agreement concerning 3 Commando Brigade is that it should remain in Hong Kong until April, 1947, though the Chief of Combined Operations is prepared to agree
150 I.S.F. to the extension of its stay until 31st May, 1947+. Brigade is due to return to India by the end of 19-60 but the C.-in-C., Indin, is negotiating with the State Rulers for an extension of its stay until 1st April, 1917.
10. The British Force for Hong Kong after April, 1917, could be found by extending the stay of 3 Commando Brigade for an indefinite period. This would, however, be at the expense of the establishment of the post-war assault force, since the tasks which the garrison of Hong Kong is called upon to perform interfere seriously with the training of a specialised force. We do not recommend this solution.
11. The shortage of man-hover is such, however, that we consider 3 Commando Brigade should, as a temporary measure and provided it can receive its Comando training, continue If the Brigade to assist the Army in its many commitments. could relieve Army units in come other station where ndoquate training facilities could be provided, the object would be achieved and, in addition, the unite so relieved would be available for Hong Kong. It appears to us that Malta is such
R station and the two infantry battalions made available, being of approximately the same strength na 3 Commando Brigade, would, with a field regiment, in our opinion, be an adequate garrison for Hong Kong.
We consider that this is the best solution and suggest that the exchange should be made as soon as is practicable.
12.
With regard to the provision of a field regiment for the garrison of Hong Kong we consider that this should be found from 3...C.S.E...'s resources and that he should also
be called upon to carmark the reserve required.
Landing Craft.
that
13. The South East Asia Defence Committee considers unless landing craft for a bat lion lift are available at Hong Kong the minimum requirements for the defence of the colony will not be met and strongly supports the request of the Governor that six L. C. To. and six L.C.I. (L)s should be retained and maintained. The Commander-in-Chief B.P.F. states that he cannot provide the care and maintenance partics which are required permanently to avoid deterioration of the craft. These craft are not included in the Post-War Assault Force X
The L. C.I.(L) but have been placed in roserve at Hong Kong. are, however, lecse lend craft and will have to be returned to the U.S. Authoritius.
+ C.0.S. (46)212
Government of India
telogram 4660 dated 31st August, 1946.
-3-
Z 4458/SD5
SECOS 747 and 762
J.P.(45)259
0.0.S. (46) 58th Meeting.
Page 620Page 621
TE PROBLE
00119
No comments yet.
Private notes are available after approval.