CO537-4998 — Page 187

2.

Page 2.

CONFIDENTIAL

COMMAND

II.

Weaknesses:

The main weaknesses in the present organisation of Command in HONG KONG are:-

(a) In peacetime:

t

There are in existence two Hadquarters commending what is virtually a Brigade Group. of Services.

There is only one set The small size of the Command geographi- cally makes the existence of two Headquarters an en- cumbrance rather than an advantage. ably, a great deal of correspondence and work created

There is, inevit- by having to do everything through the correct channels of Comrand. It is a matter for consideration and dis- cussion as to whether it would not be bettor from a Staff and Organisation viewpoint if the two Headquarters were combined, all working at HQI F. A Brigade or Deputy Commander would still be reruired us the opera- tional commander in the field. His peacetime duties would have to be laid down by the G.0.C. but probably include as at present, responsibility for the training of major units. No increase in the overall strength of Staffs should be involved. divide itself into "G" (Ops & Trg) and "G" (SD).

"G" Branch would be able to

The GSO I would then have more time available to devote to the important subject of forward planning. The organisation of the "A" and "Q" Branches depends to some extent on the duties delegated to the Deputy Commander in peacetime. int. "Q" (Maintenance & Org) and "Q" (Wks and Accn)

"Q" Branch should be divided and would probably require an additional DAQMG, but could eliminate the Brigade Staff Captain.

(b) In war or times of unrest:

The existence of the organisation visualised in (a) above would have immense advantages when trouble, either internal or in the form of an external threat,

occure

*veryone

The tactical element, under command the Brigadier, could be "thrown off" as and when required. would know each other better and the resources of HQLF could be put where most needed. question would be simplified by the elimination of

The communication Rear Brigade Headquarters. Brigade Headquarters is overworked and understaffed,

As matters stand at present Force Headquarters not being able to relieve the "load" without stepping into matters properly under the juris- diction of Brigade.

A less drastic solution might be to attach one Force G III and a DAGMG to Brigade Headquarters once trouble

/starts..

*