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Should the enemy succeed in building up an air force, early warning radar cover would be required and further air reinforcements would be needed. We appre- ciate that no more than 3 squadrons could be operated from Kai Taki, so that it would then be necessary to provide an aircraft carrier.
15.
Internal Security. We consider that one infantry brigade would be adequate to maintain internal security in Kowloon and Hong Kong.
16.
Additional Forces Required.
·
In the unlikely
event of a large scale attack, the defence of Hong Kong would require the following forces additional to the proposed reinforced garrison: -
Navy
Army
One flotilla of destroyers if the operation
is likely to be protracted,
One aircraft carrier if the enemy succeeds in
building up an air force.
One infantry brigade group, with one ȧrmoured
squadron but without a field regiment. One medium regiment.
Air Force Two fighter squadrons of 8 aircraft each.
Early warning radar equipment if the enemy succeeds in building up an air force
Further Military Action Required.
17.
Action should be taken now to earmark the forces recommended above as reinforcements against a large scale Communist attack, and to ensure their despatch at short notice.
The Communist threat to Hong Kong and the defences required to meet it should be kept under constant review.
Conclusions
18.
We conclude that:
(a) the proposed reinforced garrison, being strong enough to defeat any small scale attack and to inflict heavy casualties in a larger scale attack, would in all probability deter the Communists from open hostilities.
(b)
the
should a large scale Communist threat develop,
reinforcements described in para 16 above will be needed immediately.
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