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ANNEX II.

DRAFT TELEGRAM TO COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF,

FAR EAST.

148

Following for Commander-in-Chief, Far East from

Chiefs of Staff.

1.

Reference your GQGFE 135 6/1.

While fully appreciating the arguments for reinforcing the infantry garrison at Hong Kong in paragraph 5 of your telegram we adhere to the decision which we made in November that the despatch of infantry reinforcements to Hong Kong

General Officer cannot be made in present circumstances.

Commanding, Hong Kong was informed of this decision in War Office telegram No.87492 3/11.

2. We view Hong Kong as an undesirable military commitment but demilitarisation is not now possible in view of the effect such a course would have both in Japan and China. In the event of war with Japan the Fortress must therefore

Even at its be held as an outpost for as long as possible. present strength the garrison might cause the Japanese to hesitate before committing themselves to an attack on the Colony. An increase of the regular infantry garrison from four to six regular battalions would be unlikely materially to influence such a decisiɔn by the Japanese and could not affect the ultimate result, It would however increase the loss should the Fortress fall. As you say we have no good reason for basing plans on a relief of the garrison being possible.

3.

We note with satisfaction that defence preparations in Hong Kong are being prosecuted vigorously and that you are ensuring that General Dennys will examine with authorities in Burma and Hong Kong what material measures of assistance can be made between China and our own forces.

War Office and Air Ministry will reply direct ⚫n points raised in your paragraph 7 with which they are concerned, but we have increased Period before Relief from 90 to 130 days for all reserves to bring them into line with food and ammunition. built up to this scale as they can be made available.

Reserves will be

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