CO537-4998 — Page 252

(ii) The police force is efficient but could not wholly

be relied upon in the circumstances envisaged unless strongly backed by military forces. In certain circumstances the backing required might amount to three infantry battalions.

(iii) The Volunteer Defence Force is only now being

reconstituted and even the infantry battalion will not be operational until June, 1949.

(iv) One of the regular battalions of the garrison will

not be at fully trained strength until October, 1949.

(v) It is improbable that a theatre reserve can be

constituted before the end of 1949.

(vi) The forces available, or being raised, are

seriously insufficient to meet the probable threats to the security of the Colony.

(vii) No further reliable civilian security forces can be

raised, without prejudice to recruitment for the Volunteer Defence Force.

(viii) Any reinforcements must therefore come from Service

sources. It is suggested that the possibility of raising further battalions of the Malay Regiment should be urgently considered, as a means to releasing regular forces for the reinforcement of Hong Kong.

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