CO537-(205_1260-1262) — Page 646

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Ref.:

CO 537/1261 THE NATIONAL ARCHIVES

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restrictions. Further information la given in the enclosed Terms and Conditions of supply of National Archives' leat 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 copyrigh

9.

The present garrison of Hong Kong comprises 150 I.S.F. Brigade and 3 Commando Brigade and moots requirements regard- ing Infantry strengths until the re-establishment in April of police and volunteer forces.

10. 150 I.S.F. Brigado 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.0.5, 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 fild artillery regiments required. It appears from A.L.F.S.E.A.'s latest proposals, which have not, however, yet been accepted by the War Office or confirmed by 8.4.C.S.E.A. that replacement of 150 Ariade will be by an ad hoc brigade made up from battalions at prosent in Burma or Malaya. An alternative suggestion from the C.-in-C. India is that the raliof should be provided from 2 Division.

11.

and

The current agreement* cr ncerning 3 Commando Brirode is that they should romain in Hong Kong until April, 1947, the Chief of Combined Operations has expressed unwillingness' to extend the duration of their stay for more than a further month. 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 date.

Conclusions

12.

We conclude that:-

(a)

(b)

before a decision on the permanent garrison of Hong Kong is taken, S.A.C.S.`.A. should be invited to examine the imlications of retaining one brizado and one field rogiment in the colony after April, 1947, for an indefinite period. the present garrison of Hong Kong should be

increased by two field regiments, and the stay of the wholo force should be extonded until April, 1947.

(c) in view of (b) above, S.A.0.8.3.A. should be asked

how he proposes:-

Recommendutions

13.

(1) to replace 150 I.8.F. Brimd: when this

(11)

becomes nocossary;

to provide the two additional field

regiments required.

We recommend that:-

(a) the telegram at Annex ia despatched to S.A.C.S.7.A.

(b) The War Office is instructed to defer discussion

of the formation of a Tondarmerie with the

(0)

Colonial Office until the long term policy on

the future garrison of Hong Kong has boen docided.

a copy of this paper is forwarded to the

Colonial Office.

Offices of the Cabinet and

Minister of Defence, S.W.1.

16TH SEPTLBER, 1946.

+ Government of India telegram 4660 dated

31st August, 1946.

244584/SD 5

ALFSEA telegram 6 SD 3 datod 4th September, 1946. *C.0.S. (46) 96th Mooting

C.0.S.(46) 212.

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