CO537-5000 — Page 88

XTRACT FROM C.O.S.(K)

12.87.

MEETING HELD

MEETING HELD 9149.

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3.

HONG KONG

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TOP SECKTO

(Previous Reference: C.0.S.(49) 125th Meeting, Minute 2)

N/T

THE COMMITTEE considered a telegram+ from the British Defence Co-ordination Committee, Far East requesting approval for certain steps to be taken with regard to the problem of the Defence of Hong Kong against internal unrest or external aggression.

MAJOR-GENERAL REDMAN said that the Chief of the Imperial General Staff had already been informed of this matter by the Commander-in-Chief Far East Land Forces. The plan was to move one Infantry Battalion of the 2nd Guards Brigade from Malaya to Hong Kong at short notice after the 15th Septebmer, if internal unrest appeared imminent, in order to avoid interrupting the training of troops, required for the direct defence of the Colony. In addition, at any time after the 15th September, if a direct attack on Hong Kong seemed probable the Commander-in-Chief wished to put the remainder of the 2nd Guards Brigade at 10 days notice to leave Malaya. The C.I.G.S' view was that we should be careful not to lessen the

and tempo of operations in Malaya more than was necessary, that in any case Ministerial approval would have to be obtained before the suggested moves could actually take place. The C.I.G.S. had therefore advised the Commander-in-Chief Far East to obtain the support of the Defence Co-ordination Committee in this matter and to get them to send a signal to the Chiefs of Staff asking for the latter's approval. the military point of view the War Office approved the proposed plan.

From

MR. HIGHAM said that the Colonial Office could hardly object to the proposed moves as they formed the basis for the reinforcement plan for Hong Kong which had been previously agreed and had received Ministerial approval. A telegram had however been sent to the High Commissioner in Malaya asking for his views. The Colonial Office view was that the withdrawal of these troops from Malaya might have a bad effect politically. However they would prefer to await the High Commissioner's reply before giving a firm view.

In discussion it was agreed that the proposed steps were in accordance with the original reinforcement plan for Hong Kong but that it would be necessary to obtain Ministerial approval before the moves could actually take place.

THE COMMITTEE:-

Instructed the Secretary to prepare a draft reply in the light of the above discussions and to obtain the approval of the Colonial Office before submitting it to the Minister of Defence.

+ SEACOS 959

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