CO537-4998 — Page 65

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TOP SECRET

(7) The number of troops which could be effectively

deployed across the boundary of the Leased Terri- tories would be limited by the narrowness of the front and the poor communications leading to it.

The main additional threat of a larger scale attack would, therefore, be limited to that of seaborne infiltration around the long sea coast of the Colony and the Leased Territories. Such an attack could be supported by those ships of the Chinese Nationlist Navy which had defected to the Communists.

10.

b

Such an attack could be met provided we could:

hold a line close to the frontier neutralise the enemy's artillery

counter seaborne landings

exploit our command of the air maintain internal security

We examine these tasks in turn and the forces

needed to meet them.

11.

Land Defence. We consider that by making full use of artificial obstacles, and so long as we had command of the air, one infantry brigade group, with two field regiments, one armoured squadron and one battalion in reserve, could hold a line running from Deep Bay to Tolo Harbour.

12.

Enemy Artillery. We consider that, despite command of the air, one medium regiment would be required for use in a counter-battery role.

13.

Seaborne Landings. The list of warships which might be available to the Communists appears formidable, but it is unlikely that more than a small proportion would be available for this operation, and their efficiency would be of a low standard. The threat would consist of large numbers of junks and sampans landing parties of infantry in widely dispersed areas. The Far East Fleet, backed by local patrol craft and aided by air reconnaissance, would be able to take heavy toll of such an assault. Nevertheless, land forces would be required to mop up such parties as got ashore. We consider that two battalions, organised into mobile columns, woudl be required.

The Far East Fleet would be able to meet the initial. shock of such an attack, but if the operations appeared likely to be protracted would require reinforcement by a flotilla of destroyers.

14.

Air Action.

The task of the air force would be to prevent the enemy from building up air power, to provide reconnaissance over land and sea, and to attack enemy ground and sea forces. The maintenance of command of the air and the provision of adequate air support to ground forces would require 3 fighter/ground attack squadrons of 8 aircraft each. Sea reconnaissance and attack on sampans and junks could be undertaken by the 5 flying boats at present stationed at Hong Kong.

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