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-SECRET-
F1033H
10
5 OCT 1941
Dear Strindale Beanett
222
Enter Grem com
4th October, 1941.
Reinforcements for Hong Kong.
The Chiefs of Staff, as a result of a discussion with General Grasett, late General officer Commanding, Hong Kong, submitted a minute to the Prime Minister (copy attached Flag A) recommending that Canada should
be asked to send one or two battalions to Hong Kong.
On receipt of this minute on 15th September, the Prime Minister noted as follows
"It is a question of timing. There is no
objection to the approach being made as proposed; but a further decision should be taken before the battalions actually sail."
A reply has now been received from the Canadian Government that they agree, in principle, to send two battalions to strengthen the garrison of Hong Kong, and will be glad to consider tentative arrangements for their despatch.
The Chiefs of Staff, on the 2nd October, submitted a further minute to the Prime Minister (copy attached- Flag B) recommending that this reinforcement of Hong Kong should be carried out as early as possible, and requesting his approval for their proposal that arrangements for the transport of the Canadian battalions to Hong Kong should now be made.
On receipt of this minute on 3rd October, the Prime Minister noted as follows
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