00 138
The
ist Aula Defence Committee. mmittee at a meeting on 30th August, lered the views of the Governor of Hong
garrison of that colony, stated+ with the contention that modern arms available to an attacking army led rilla army. Their view is that since
modern arms have been supplied to ingdom and the U.S.A. and much hind in the country by the Japanese, C.-in-C. Hong Kong in his apprec- army would be adequately equipped, herefore, consider that, to net `na 1á no British brigade and ono fiold
required permanently in the colony, able within S. 5. A. C. and capable of to Hong Kong in emergency.
ight of these conflicting opinions, ittee has now reached its conclusions y no at December, 19460, the Chiefs
policy regarding the form and extent for the colony. We consider that
made S.A.C.3.E.A. should be asked to implications of finding from his n of the sizo suggested by the mmittoo. We suggest also that tho ucted not to proceud further with
Colonial Office on the question of .A's report has boon received.
ort term policy in Hong Kong, the Chiefs ensure intornal security, to afford
and as a deterrent to an attempt at 11a, certain forces would be required e to come. Thcao were assessed no
e British Pacific Fleet
until January, 1947, reducing
ipade after that date.
t of half a Flying: Boat Squadron.
forces was based on the assumption
local police force would have become ffective. In emergency, additional
Arawn from elsewhere in the theatre.
st Asia Defence Committee. While
e Committee agree with the estimates
hey point out that, with regard to ernor of Hong Kong; has stated that be efficient enough to allow a
April, 1947. They consider that
regiments will, therefore, be They agree that after that dato
o to fulfil his commitments with agraph 5 above.
S.E.4.0.0.6.747 6th September, 1946 0.0.(46) 91
0.0.8.(46) 58th Moeting
2-
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00139
9. The present garrison of Hong Kong comprises 150 I.S.F. Brigade and 3 Commando Brigade and moëta requirements regard- ing Infantry strengths until the re-establishment in April of police and volunteer forces.
10. 150 I.S.F. Brigade is, however, due to return to India by the end of 1946 although the C.-in-c. India is negotiat- ing with the State Rulers for an extension of its stay until 1st April, 1947. We consider that S.A.C.5, 1.A. should be asked how he proposed to replace this Brigade in April, or
arlier if this becomes necessary, and whether he can provide the two field artillery regiments required. It appears from A.L.F.S.E. A.'a inteet proposals, which have not, howev: r, vet been accepted by the War Office or confirmed by 8.A.C.S.E.A.: that replacement of 150 Brigade will bo by an ad hoc brigade made up from battalions at prosent in Burma or Malaya. An alternative suggestion from the C.-in-C. Indie is that the r lief should be provided from 2 Division. 11. The current agreement* cc ncerning 3 Commando Brinde is that they should remain in Hong Kong until April, 1947, and the Chief of Combined Operations has expressed unwillingness!
to extend the duration of their stay for core than a further mon th. Te foresee, however, no problem regarding the with- drawal of this formation as the Governor considers that the local police force will be able to take over its role by this datc.
Conclusions
12. Wo conclude that:-
(a)
(b)
(c)
before a docision on the permanent garrison of
Hong Kong is taken, S.A.C.S. ́. A. should be invited to examine the imlications of retaining one brido and one field rogiment in the colony after April, 1947, for an indofinite period. the present garrison of Hong Kong should be
increased by two field regiments, and the stay of the whole force should be extended until April, 1947.
in view of (b) above, 8.A.0.8.3.A. should be naked
how ho proposes:-
Rocommendations
(i) to replace 150 I.S.F. Bride when this
becomes necessary;
(五)
to provide the two additional fi la
regiments ramired.
13. We recommend that:-
(a)
(b)
(c)
the telegram at Annex is despatched to S.A.C.S..A.
The War office is instructed to defor discussion
of the formation of a gondarmerio with the Colonial Office until the long term policy on
the future garrison of Hong Kong has boon decided.
a copy of this paper is forwarded to the
Colonial Office.
Offices of the Cabinet and
Minister of Defence, 8.W.1.
16TH SEPTEMBER,
1946.
+ Governant of India telegram 4660 datcd
31st August, 1946.
244584/SD 5
ALFSEA telegram 6 SD 3 datod 4th September, 1946. C.0.8. (46) 96th Moe ting
C.0.S.(46) 212.
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し
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CO 537/1261
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restrictions. Further information is given in the enclosed Terms and Conditions of supply of National
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
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