CAB129-35 — Page 72

Air Force:

Navy: (for whole

Far East

Station)

Page 72

1 Spitfire Squadron (16 aircraft)

1 Flying Boat Squadron (5 Sunderlands) Fighter control and early warning radar.

3 Cruisers

6 Destroyers

5 Frigates

Local patrol craft.

It was made clear in the report by the Chiefs of Staff which the Cabinet considered at their meeting on 5th May that the above forces would not be enough to meet a large-scale Chinese Communist attack should this materialise. Since the nature of the terrain is not an obstacle to infantry, and infiltration by junk and sampan is likely, it is not possible from the information available to give any realistic numerical estimate of the strength that the Chinese Communists may concentrate against Hong Kong. It is, however, estime tod that not more than about 40,000 Chinese Communist troops could be deployed at any one time in a land offensive. might be supported by an initial air effort of some 50-60 aircraft (fighters and bombers) The Chiefs of Staff consider that we must be ready by early September if we are to deal with a threat on this scale, should it develop.

They

6.

The Chiefs of Staff are of the opinion that if we make it abundantly clear, by the despatch of certain additional reinforcements and by a suitable public announcement, that we intend to defend Hong Kong against aggression, our defences may never be put to the test; and that if they were, they would be capable of holding the Colony provided adequate measures are taken by the Civil Government to deal with the threat to internal security. The Chiefs of Staff therefore propose that authority should now be given to send to Hong Kong the following further reinforcements: -

Army:

Air Force:

Navy:

28th Infantry Brigade (ex United Kingdom) Royal Marine Commando Brigade (ex Malta

to

be placed under Ary command by the Admiralty)

together with supporting units.

1 Fighter Squadron (16 Spitfires)

1 Long range fighter Squadron (16 Hornets).

1 Light flect carrier

4 Destroyers or frigates

1 Replenishment aircraft-carrier

1 Hospital ship.

In addition it is proposed that a further infantry brigade should be earmarked for despatch if the threat to Hong Kong seriously develops. For this purpose, the Guards Brigade in Malaya is conveniently placed and by September could probably be spared, if necessary, without undue effect on the bandit campaign.

7.

If a decision is taken this week, the above reinforcements could all arrive in Hong Kong by early September, with the exception of the Aircraft Replenishment Carrier, which could not be there until a month later. The two fighter Squadrons could, in fact, arrive within 6 weeks of the decision being taken, provided their base maintenance and headquarters persoPage 72 of 366 flown out in aircraft apaga 79 of 366 the

Berlin airlift.

-2-