CO537-4998 — Page 223

13 laualed

EXTRACT FROM C.O.S.(49)

2.

DEFENCE OF HONG KONG

MEETING HELD

31/1

17

(TOP SECRET)

(Provious Reference: COS(49) 8th Mtg., Min.4)NT·

THE COMMITTEE considered a telegram from the British Defence Co-ordination Committee, Far East, reporting that a fresh Appreciation of the situation in Hong Kong was being prepared and reiterating that no troops could be spared . in an emergency from Malaya to reinforce the existing garrison of Hong Kong, during the next few months.

LT. GENERAL TEMPLER said that little could be done until the fresh Appreciation of the situation in Hong Kong had been received. The Colonial Office and Commanders-in-Chief had already been informed by the Chiefs of Staff that no further reinforcements could be made available for the Far ust. This was so, but at the expense of wrecking the reorganisation of the infantry, four infantry battalions might at the present time be made available from the U.K. in emergency. Onc armoured regiment, one artillery regiment and a Frigade headquarters might also be made available from the U..

Wet Africa) but the provision of these units would have a scrious

effect on the reorganisation and training of the Army and would leave the United Kingdom without any form of reserve whatsoever. The need for sending, and the method by which reinforcements should be sent to Hong Kong would depend on. the situation at the time. This could not be foreseen.

SEACOS 878.

tas

Mr Siebthum

111 Trefful Smith

(is).

- 2 me

B

I think

you

Imeld

cos'

xe this reveale, COS'

Minke before it goes on to 243

в

fr regettem a 94001/28.

J. Shan

3/2/49.