CO_968_580_DEFENCE_OF_HONG_KONG_1957_1959 — Page 52

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Annex to JF(59)86(Pin32 of 172

THE DEFENCE OF HONG KONG

INTRODUCTION

1.

£

The BDCC(FE) have forwarded a report on their study of the practicability of the defence of Hong Kong in a nuclear context. The results of an Exercise (WHITE DRAGON) held in Hong Kong late in 1958 were taken into account in this study.

AIM

2.

3.

The aim of this paper is to examine the BDCC(FE) report.£

THE BDCC(FE) REPORT

The BDCC(FE) conclude that:-

"(a)

The possibility of a successful defence of Hong Kong against a Chinese attack depends mainly on:-

(1) the exclusive possession by the defence of

tactical nuclear weapons, a condition which may only exist for a very short period;

(ii)

(iii)

intervention by the United States and the ability of the United States air power effec- tively to interdict South China airfields in the very limited time available, conditions which contain a considerable element of uncer- tainty when delays inherent in giving political decisions are taken into account;

the provision, installation and manning of extremely expensive defence measures in the colony;

(b) in view of:-

(i) the uncertainties inherent in the conditions

for a possible successful defence;

(ii) the short life which the lease of the New

Territories has to run;

(iii) the stringent economies which now govern

Defence Planning,

our plans for the defence of Hong Kong should con- tinue to rely, as at present, on the general strate- gic deterrent to prevent China embarking on overseas adventures. At the same time, we should maintain a garrison to identify aggression should it take place and to assist an expanded police force to maintain law and order.

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4. The Governor of Hong Kong and the Commander, British Forces, Hong Kong, are in general agreement with these con- clusions.

(46)

£

COS(59)165

2

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