CAB80-25 — Page 175

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e doodmont was considered at Co.S. (41) 16° Meeting.

(THIS DOCUMENT IS THE PROPERTY OF HIS BRITANNIC MAJESTY'S GOVERNMENT)

TO BE KEPT UNDER LOCK & KEY.

It is requested that special care may be taken to

ensure the secrecy of this document.

SECRET

C.0.S.(41)28.

10th January,

1940.

WAR CABINET

COPY NO.

27

146

1.

CHIEFS OF STAFF COMMITTEE

DEFENCE OF HONG KONG

Memorandum by the Chief of the Imperial. General Staff.

In a telegram dated 6th January, 1941 to the Air Ministry for the Chiefs of Staff (c.o.s. (41)18) the Commander-in-Chief, Far East reports that he proposes to increase the garrison of Hong Kong from four to six regular infantry battalions.

2.

An increase in the garrison by one infantry battalion was recommended by General Officer Commanding, Hong Kong, as recently as October, 1940 and the Chiefs of Staff Comittee considered

on 29th of that month.. that request at the 365th Meeting (Item 4) They then agreed that the dispatch of infantry reinforcements to Hong Kong should not be recommended in present circumstances. I do not consider that circumstances have altered since that date sufficiently to justify any alteration to that decision.

3.

1941 At Annex I is a copy of a Minute dated 7th January, from the Prime Minister to Major General Ismay, in which he states that it would be most unwise to increase the garrison at Hong Kong.

At Annex II is a draft reply to the Commander-in-Chief for consideration by the Committee.

4.

5.

I consider that the detailed matters of equipment raised by the Commander-in-Chief in paragraph 7 of his telegram should

As regards be replied to direct by the Ministries concerned. the Army the only major deficiency in 150 days reserve is in .303-inch tracer ammunition, but the situation in this type of

in all theatres of war. ammunition is bad

Reserves in this Fortress, however, except for food and ammunition are governed by the policy approved by the Committee at their 38th Meeting on 23rd February, 1940, Item 2 that:

"In view of the undesirability of diverting to

Hong Kong at the present time any men, armament, or warlike stores, no increase should be made in the existing Period before Relief, i.e. 90 days. decision to be subject to periodical review.

This

11

I consider that it is illogical to have these different scales of reserves and that the Period before Relief should be

Provision of the additional items raised from 90 to 130 days.

of armament and stores to make up the new scale would be gradual as they are released by the War Office Priority Committee.

The War Office,

(Sgd.) J.G. DILL.

10th January, 1:0.

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