CO537-4998 — Page 227

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TOP SECRET CYPHER TELEGRAM

RECEIVED BY O.T.P.

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Mr. Slebothan

FROM: G.H.Q., FAR EAST LAND FORCES

ΤΟ : MINISTRY OF DEFENCE, LONDON

INFO: H.Q., LAND FORCES, HONG KONG

SEACOS 878

IZ 271

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(2707302)

TOR 281645Z

-Mr Morgan

C. GIMLO.

27th January, 1949

From FEDSEC for Chiefs of Staff from British Defence Co-ordination Committee, Far East.

Info: H.Q., Land Forces, Hong Kong, for Secretary, Local Defence Committee.

We have considered the points raised in COSSEAS 665 and 666 in consultation with the Governor of Hong Kong and Paskin of Colonial Office.

2. In view of the much altered conditions in the Chinese civil war we have asked the Hong Kong Local Defence Committee for up to date estimates of the probable threats to Hong Kong and when they are likely to occur, at the same time telling them that in our view a serious internal security threat may, develop at any time. We hope to receive their report and send you a fresh appreciation within three weeks.

3. In the meantime the Commanders-in-Chief adhere to their views as already expressed in SEACOS 872 and 874 and wish to emphasise that if threats which require to be met by more than the existing garrison of Hong Kong arise before troops can be spared from Malaya, the troops will have to be provided from outside the theatre.

4.

An estimate of the dates on which forces are likely to be able to be spared from Malaya will be included in our new appreciation.

5.

The Commanders-in-Chief consider that accelerating the raising of new battalions for the Malay Regiment even if officers can be provided by the War Office cannot affect the relief of troops from Malaya for Hong Kong or elsewhere until the late autumn. Even then only one extra battalion will have been raised and therefore cannot affect the position by filling the gap before the battalion of the Hong Kong Defence Force is effective CIRCULATION

D. C. O. R.

Foreign Office

War Registry, Admiralty

Message Control, War Office

Registry Telegrams, Air Ministry

Chief of Combined Operations Staff

Secretary of State for Colonies Colonel Leisching, Colonial Office

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