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In Defence Bether ist Jour

June

116.

Defence Committee

Defence of Hong Kong.

The only obvious comment on D.0.(49)40 is that it is to be hoped that the Australian Government will be prepared to make available immediately for the defence of Hong Kong the Light Fleet Carrier and the Fighter Squadron (now in Japan); and that they and the New Zealand Government will be prepared to earmark the other forces mentioned in case they are required.

1

As regards D.0.(49)41, the account given of the unreadiness for war of the reinforcements for Hong Kong from this country, unless the Section A Army Reservists are called up, is alarming. The appreciation on which the Chiefs of Staff recommendations have been based envisages the threat of a full scale attack on Hong Kong as developing towards the end of September. In order that the reinforcements should be in a position to meet such a threat, it has been urged that they should arrive in Hong Kong, at full war strength before the beginning of September. Unless they do, they may well not be in a position to meet an attack by Chinese Communist forces.

II.P.

Nothing ladd

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31/5

In Sebriti

14453.

Remmed frust

31 May 49.

papers

muntimed velamed

Bolt Calmet (D.0.) Private office.