CO537-4998 — Page 33

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16.

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If, however, an attack by some 2 3 divisions were unted, the garrison would need considerable reinforcement. ine internal security problem would increase in accordance with the external attack and our success in holding it. of the following order might be required:-

Navy

Army

Air Force

One aircraft carrier

A division of frigates

One division

One fighter squadron

One light bomber squadron

Reinforcements

These squadrons could be increased

from 8 to 16 UE aircraft each

Action Required Now

17. The present British garrison consists of one infantry brigade group, including one field regiment, and five Sunderland flying boats. Naval support is provided by ships of the Far East Squadron.

18.

The Commanders-in-Chief, Far East have decided that the garrison ought now to be reinforced to bring it up to the strength shown in paragraph 15 above. They have, therefore, decided to despatch one fighter squadron of 8 aircraft from Malaya to Hong Kong. One AOP flight of 5 aircraft is also earmarked in Malaya to move there if required.

It is presumed that the Commanders-in-Chief, Far East will move fighter control and early warning radar from Malaya to Hong Kong.

The necessary army reinforcements, amounting to one composite AA regiment and one infantry brigade group, with one field regiment and one armoured regiment, cannot be found from within the Far East theatre.

19.

The Defence Committee recommended that all the army reinforcements referred to above, except for the armoured regiment which would be replaced by one squadron only, should bu sent as soon as possible.

20.

f

The Cabinet have agreed that a brigade headquarters and one battalion should be sent at once, and that preparations should be made for sending the remainder of the brigade group as soon as practicable.

21.

The further military action required is, therefore:-

(a) To send to Hong Kong as early as possible the

remainder of the brigade group, namely. two infantry battalions, one armoured regiment, one field regiment and one composite AA regiment.

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(28) (52)

(53)

SEACOS 881, 895 and 896

DO(49) 12th Meeting and DO(49) 32NTUS3 CM(49) 30th Meeting(s)

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