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POSSIBLE MILITARY ACTION IN THE FORESEEABLE FUTURE
15.
The military implications of the situation in China have recently been considered by the Commanders-in- Chief, Far East, in their paper on the "Measures Required in View of the Communist Advance in China" We agree with their views that a half-hearted policy will achieve nothing, since to the oriental mind nothing is more effective than strong action, firm direction and the visible signs of power.
For Communism to be checked it is essential that the authority of the Civil Power should be re-asserted and strengthened in all countries of South East Asia, and that all political means possible should be taken to make the French and Dutch Governments reach agreement with Nationalist dissident factions. Only when this has been done will South East Asia as a whole be able to co-operate in measures to withstand Communism,
Unless effective counter-action is taken soon, the maintenance of our political, economic and military position may require a prodigious effort which we might be unable to afßrd in perce and which would be unsound in war. We examine below what military action can be taken now in each of the countries concerned.
Countries Under British Control
16. Malaya. The internal security commitment in Malaya will constitute a serious strain on our military resources until the Communist menace is completely under control. The British Government is determined that firm steps should be taken to ensure that the present unrest should not be allowed to drag on, and military operations are aimed at restoring as soon as possible such conditions as will enable the Civil Power aided by locally-enlisted forces (expanded as necess ry, to take over the internal security commitment. It is essential that this should soon be achieved in order that our strategic reserve should again be available to meet future emergencies.
17. Hong Kong. The Commanders-in-Chief, Fer East, have submitted their appreciation on the military action required in Hong Kong, This is examined at Appendix.
Japan and the Phillipines.
18.
This is purely an American sphere of influence and we assume that all necessary action will be taken by the United States.
Commonwealth Countries
19. India. In view of India's considerable military
potential and of her predominant position in the Far East, we should aim at making her the main bulwark in Asia against the spread of Communism.
94001/28/480.0.5. (48) 200, Annex III Ø SEA COS 872 dated 39 on 14007/25/48
c.o.s. (48) 99th Meeting,
Item 5
NT.
7
15th December, 1948 SEA.COS 874 dated
23rd December, 1948
•46 on 94001/28/48
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