CO129-502-6 China- general situation 7-1-1927 - 3-3-1927 — Page 176

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Defence of Shanghai

(f) That in view of the great importance of prompt action represented

in the Report of the Chiefs of Staff on the defence of Shanghai

(C.P.12(27)), it was unsafe to base our arrangements on the

assumption that the Japanese would provide part of the Division

for the defence of Shanghai, and that in consequence the force

to be prepared must not be limited, as hitherto proposed,

to one mixed brigade and a squadron of aeroplanes.

tions to be made should provide at first for a force of one

brigade from india, one brigade from the Mediterranean, and

one brigade from home. The force could be reduced if Japanese

co-operation was assured.

The prepara-

(g) That the India Office should ask the Government of India to make

all arrangements, including taking up shipping, for the despatch

of a mixed brigade from india, which the Cabinet were informed

might be available for action at Shanghai in 30-32 days time.

(h) That the President of the Board of Trade, in consultation with

the Secretary of State for War, should immediately make arrange-

ments to get ready shipping to take the first British brigade to Shanghai (which the Cabinet were informed would arrive at

Shanghai within 40-48 days time); and for a second British brig

(52-61 days).

(1) That the Secretary of State for War should make preliminary

arrangements for the despatch of the two British brigades

referred to above as som as shipping is ready, but, as the

Japanese Government might be deterred from co-operation if we

were suddenly to announce the despatch of so large a force, he

was asked to postpone the issue of final orders for 48 hours.

He was also asked to postpone the issue of final notices to class

A reservists for a few days.

(j) That the First Lord of the Admiralty should make arrangements

for the despatch at the earliest possible date (Friday,

January 31st) of 1,000 marines to Shanghai (due in 36-37 days),

of the first British cruiser squadron

well as for the sail11cco rifles) which should arrive in

from Mediterranean

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