CO537-4999 — Page 98

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2 June 1949

JIC/FE(49)21(Final)

provided to sustain the force and maintain the sortie rate.

47.

The threat from Soviet Air Forces has been assessed elsewhere in the Joint Intelligence Committee, London, paper* entitled "Scale and Nature of Attack on the Colonies", as follows:-

Aircraft available

200

Tactical Bombers 160 G/A Fighters.

Sorties per month Sorties per day Max

1949

1957

1949

1957 in any

ong raid

Tactical Bombers

900

1,500

30

50

150

G/A Fighters

1,200

1,200

40

40

140

From D-Day onwards there is a possible threat of occasional

The sorties by long range bombers carrying 20,000 lbs of bombs. ability of the Soviet Union to maintain such a sortie rate would depend upon her ability to supply the force and keep her communications open.

Maritime Threat

48.

In the event of war with the Soviet Union and the C.C.P., the maritime threats to Hong Kong will be much as described above, with the

Such attacks might probable participation by Soviet submarines. include mine laying and the launching of small battle units, and there would be a danger of torpedo attacks in the approaches.

The scale

of submarine attack on the area is unlikely to be very heavy in view of their other commitments.

*

JIC(49)5(Final).

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