TOP SECRET
7-
PART II
AIR FORCES.
Page 87
1.
It has been appreciated (JIC 57(90) Final), that by
1962, the Chinese Communist Air Force, including the Naval air
force, will probably have some 3,300 aircraft of which
approximately 2,000 are expected to be jet fighters, and 800
jet light bombers. It is assumed that the Transport Force,
which now consists of at least 150 military transport aircraft,
will also expand proportionately by 1962.
Airborne Forces
2.
The strength of the Airborne Forces is estimated to
be three parachute divisions, amounting to about 21,000 men.
In addition, between 60,000 and 150,000 soldiers had received
parachute training. It is believed that this force may be
considerably larger and that its efficiency and training has
improved since 1955.
3.
It is considered that the most effective and quickest
method of taking Hong Kong might be by airborne landings at
Kai Tak and Sek Kong and possibly at Shek Ko and Happy Valley
in conjunction with leaflet droppings, and propaganda from voice
aircrafto There would be a simultaneous land attack across
the frontier and a seaborne assault across the beaches.
Possible Course of Action
40
By using 100 transport aircraft the CCAF could, from
airfields in the Canton complex, and Hui Yang, drop approximate-
ly 2,000 parachutists on preselected dropping zones in Hong
Kong in a single sortie by day and possibly even by night.
Further, by using the same aircraft without refuelling, this
figure could be doubled in less than five hours. A total of
up to 8,000 during the hours of darkness would be possible in
good conditions. The inadequacy of our tiny day fighter
force and the total absence of anti-aircraft guns would not
deter the enemy Commander from carrying out this operation in
broad daylight.
Page
Leaflet Dropping
5.
Page 87
In the circumstances envisaged during an attack on
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