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THIS DOCUMENT IS THE PROPERTY OF HIS BRITANNIC MAJESTY'S GOVERNMENT

The circulation of this paper has been strictly limited.

It is issued for the personal use of..

com Leesch wy

TOP SECRET

Copy No..

М3 10.93.

(OXT.

of R)

JP (49) 44 (0)

28th April,1949

CHIEFS OF STAFF COMMITTEE

JOINT PLANNING STAFF

HONG KONG

Note by the Secretary

+

The Defence Committee yesterday discussed the reinforcement of Hong Kong in the light of current events in China. They invited the Chiefs of Staff to prepare a fresh appreciation of the extent of the threat which is likely to develop against Hong Kong and the leased

territories if the Communists secure the control of virtually the whole of China.

2.

In addition to assessing the threat which is likely to develop, the appreciation is to examine whether Hong Kong can be defended against the estimated threat by the present garrison together with the planned reinforcement, and if not, what military action is recommended.

3.

Since the Government will wish to state their future 'policy towards Hong Kong in the near future, the Chiefs of

Staff appreciation will be required early next week.

4.

In the light of the above and in anticipation of instructions by the Chiefs of Staff, the Joint Planning Staff is invited, in consultation with the Joint Intelligence Committee, to prepare a draft report as a matter of urgency.

(Signed) T. de F. JAGO

+ DO (49) 12th Meeting

*

?(50)

DO(49) 12th Meeting, Conclusion 8

MINISTRY OF DEFENCE, S.W.1,

28th April,1949.