My Lords consider that plan proposed by Lord Wavell for providing two vessels for service under Colonial Defence Act, would not work well.
My Lords are of opinion that if vessels to be provided under that Act they should be placed either wholly under the orders of the Senior Naval Officer or wholly at the disposal of the Governor; and they think that it would be better to defer any such arrangement until information is received from Hong Kong, as to what the Governor and his Council may propose on that head.
I am, Sir, your most obedient Servant,
"Payet
Page ...