CO537-4998 — Page 81

7.

-3-

→

I might perhaps add that I understand that to

reinforce Hong Kong now will give a useful stimulus to the

Hong Kong Volunteer Forces where the feeling that the

Colony would not be defended in a major war has tended to

damp local enthusiasm for volunteer activity

8.

I also recommend that Hong Kong should be reinforced

by one of the two Fighter squadrons now in Malaya. It is

thought that this move can be made without any serious

consequence to operations in Malaya, though it should be

noted that if the move of this squadron happens to coincide

with other calls in the Far East for air transport such as

& ain evacuation by from Shanghai or Hong Kong, the effects would

be felt outside the Far East theatre and would mean some

temporary subtraction from the Berlin Air lift.

9.

X

As far as naval reinforcement is concerned, my

colleagues will be aware that the move of a Cruiser, H.M.9.

همه

Jamaica, from the West Indies to Hong Kong has already been

ordered. This ship will arrive on the China coast at the

end of May.

10.

To sum up, I recommend that my colleagues should that agree with the following moves should be put in hand

immediately:-

(a)

brigade group from the United Kingdom to the Far East;

(b) a fighter squadron from Malaya to Hong Kong.

Jennithe of Rexen

of

Cabinet Office, S.W.1,

April 1949.

AVA,