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00132

Asia Dulence Committee at a meeting on nsidered the views of the Governor oî' ent of the garrison or that colony. ere tat since considcrable quantities een supplied to China oy both the

he J.S.... and much equipment had been

ountry by the Japanese, the assumtion ; nongong, in his appreciation, that

uld be adequately equipped still held

re considered that, to act as a deterrent, itish brigade and one field artillery quired permanently in the Colony, with

p availzole Litnin 5.....U. and oupable

nsported to ong long in emergency.

ly been suggested by the bar Ofice, that ble to tie up degular writish troops in

local militia would be adequate to ers of the Colony. ..hile it is probable rce of this nature would be adequate we .A. that at the present time it would ing regard to disturbed conditions in

has been represented by S.A.C.S.E.A. assuming India were willing to supply isfactory as the sole garrison of the their unreliability in the event of 3. we agree with this view.

refore, that it should be accepted in rrison of the Colony, the strength of

in proved as of the order of one brigade,

itish brigade and a field regiment as overnor of ongong and the S... Aзia

This british force would be required until 18 existed in China; thereal ter the

ld be te..on over by a local militia.

desirable to have a further brigade all within S.....C.

At

>ressing need for economy in the use of

uld oo advisable or thear Office and open consiucration of the formation of wever, owing to the difficulty of fore-

be possible to dispense with the British ay not be possiblu for the Colonial

ond the extent of preparing plans which 'ect at short noticu.

cm

CO 537/1261

THE NATIONAL ARCHIVES

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

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

Archives'

leaflet.

Last Asia Defence Committue agree with

al and Air Forces detailed in sub-

they point out that, with regard to the vernor of longong has stated that the

b officiunt enough to allow a reduction

I 1947. They consider that two

A.0.0.3. 747. 6th September, 1946.

8.(46) 193,0)

A.0.0.S. 714. 17th June, 1946.

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00133

They

brigades will, therefore, be required until this date. agree that after that date 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, however, due to return to India by pe end of 1946 although the C.-in-C. India is negotiating with the State Rulers for an extension of its stay until 1st „ril, 1947.

enc

10. It will, therefore,be nccessary to provid British brigade and a field regiment for Hong tong in April or earlier, depending upon the result of the negotiations for the retention of 150 I.S.F. Brigade. It appears from .L.F.S. E... 's latest proposals, hich have not been confirmed by S... C. S. E.. that this one ad hoc Brigade can be formed from battalions at present in Burma or Malaya.

We consider that S...C.8.1.A. should be invited to stato the implications of supplying this brigade and field regiment and of earmarking the reserve, from his on resources.

Conclusions

11.

We conclude that:-

(a) In view of the recommendations of the south Last sla

Defunce Comittee it should be accepted in principle that a garrison of one British brigado and a field regiment will be required in Hong Kong until conditions in China become more stable;

(b) A local militia should be the eventual farrison,

although it is realised that this my not be possible for a considerable period;

(c) 3.A.0.3.1... should be asked to state the implications

of providing a British brigade and a field regiment

car arking for Hong Kong in april or earlier, n. o.

Lac Clony. a reserve of one bri nde troup in.

Recommendations

N

Ref.:

CO 537/1261

THE NATIONAL ARCHIVES

N

restrictions. Further information is given in the enclosed Terms and Conditions of supply of National Archives' lesfiel se note that this copy is supplied subject to the National Archives' terms and conditions and that your use of Il may be subject to copyright

12. We recommend that:-

(a) the Chiefs of Staff should agree to 3 Comando Brigado being retained in Hong Kong, if necessary, until 31st May, 1947.

(b) the telugram at Annex is despatched to 9..., C. B..... (c) the "ar office is invited to confine its discussion

with the Colonial 0 Tice to the preparation of plans for the formation of a local militia at a later date.

c.o.s. (46) 96th Meeting 0:0:0: (48) 2927

1946. + Government of India telegram 4660 3:hed 31st August,

244504/SD 5

ALFS telegram 6 SD 3 dated 4th September, 1946.

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