CO537-4998 — Page 104

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TOP SECRET

THE GROUND DEVICES OF HONG KONG

The permanent regular Garrison of Hong Kong consists

of three Infantry Battalions and one Field Regiment (at

present 1st Buffs, 2/6 and 2/10 Gurkha Rifles and the 25th

Field Regiment R.A.) with necessary administrative backing.

2. The Hong Kong Defence Force (Volunteers) is now being

formed. The Infantry (Battalion) is being recruited but

will not be operational until July 1949 at earliest. The

formation of further land elements of this Force (Armoured

Car Squadron and Heavy A.A. Artillery Battery), is still being

considered.

3.

There are now no fixed defences in Hong Kong

(D.0. 7th (46) Meeting Item 1). Wire has been provided

sufficient to wire the frontier on the mainland if it is

decided to do so.

4.

On 28th February the C.0.S. took note of the strength

of the land defence of Hong Kong, on the basis of a recent

report by the Commanders in Chief, Far East. They

considered that in certain circumstances it would be necessary

to reinforce Hong Kong, but that it is undesirable to

reinforce the Far East from the United Kingdom at present

although one brigade group is being held in readiness for possible reinforcement overseas (including the Far East) in an

emergency. Therefore, if reinforcement of Hong Kong becomes

necessary, it is probable that it would come initially from

forces in the Far East (i.e. Malaya): but, in this event,

such reinforcements may have to be replaced from the United

Kingdom, if the situation at the time in Malaya warranted such

measures.

Colonial Office, 4th April, 1949.