CO537-4999 — Page 278

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16. If, however, an attack by some 2 3 divisions were mounted, the garrison would need considerable reinforcement. The internal security problem would increase in accordance with the external attack and our success in holding it. Reinforcements of the following order might be required:-

Navy

Army

Air Force

One aircraft carrier

A division of frigates

One division

One fighter squadron

One fighter bomber squadron

These squadrons could be increased

from 8 to 16 UE aircraft each

The implications of providing reinforcements of this magnitude will clearly require very careful examination. For example, the mobilisation of the units of the division would require the call up of part of Section B of the Army Reserve in addition to Section A, and the provision of the necessary shipping would have wide repercussions.

Action Required NoW

17.

The present British garrison consists of one infantry brigade group, including one field regiment, and five Sunderland flying boats. Naval support is provided by ships of the Far

Far East Squadron.

18.

The Commanders-in-Chief, Far East, have recommended that the garrison ought now to be reinforced to bring it up to the strength shown in paragraph 15 above. They have, therefore, decided to despatch one fighter squadron of 8 aircraft from Malaya to Hong Kong. One AOP flight of 5 aircraft is also earmarked in Malaya to move there if required.

It is presumed that the Commanders-in-Chief, Far East, will move fighter control and early warning radar from Malaya to Hong Kong,

The necessary army reinforcements, amounting to one composite AA regiment and one infantry brigade group, with one field regiment and one armoured regiment cannot be found from within the Far East theatre.

19.

the all the army

The Defence Committee recommended reinforcements referred to above, except for the armoured regiment which would be replaced by one squadron only, should be sent as soon as possible.

20. The Cabinet have agreed that a brigade headquarters and one battalion should be sent at once, and that preparations should be made for sending the remainder of the brigade group as soon as practicable.

21.

The further military action required is, therefore:-

(2416)

(a) To send to Hong Kong as early as possible the

remainder of the brigade group, namely two infantry battalions, one armoured regiment, one field regiment and one composite AA regiment.

# +

(54)

D. O. (49) 12th Mecting and D. 0. (49) 32′ C. M. (49) 30th Conclusions (55)

m 10m

NEUS