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From : War Office.
To:-
M
MOST SECRET
CIPHER TELEGRAM
C-in-C., Far East.
TELEGRAM.
Repeated C-in-C., China.
G.O.C., Hong Kong.
و.
ju.
Enter green
Desp. 0345 0/11/41
F11943
IMMEDIATE.
50152
cipher (M.0.10) 6/11.
Following from Chiefs of Staff No. F.E. 39.
Your 385/5 cipher 20/10.
Face
Our policy regarding defence of Hong Kong remains unaltered. It must be regarded as outpost and held as long
as possible.
2.
It has now become possible for U.S.A. and ourselves
T: S. A. have to take a more forward line in tas Far East. on their part recently displayed greater interest in this theatre and have despatched reinforcements to garrison of
Phillipines.
Our reinforcement of Hong Kong will show China
that in spite of other commitments we intend to fight it out at Hong Kong and it will also have salutary effect on Japanese. Moreover the reinforcement will provide strong psychological stimulus to garrison and to colony and will assist in defence plan. Canada, by providing these troops, will be accepting wider commitment in imperial defence similar to that assumed
by Australia in Malaya.
3.
In view of slender air resources now available in Tar
East or likely to become avṛilable in near future we cannot
repeat not agree to reversal of existing policy or not stationing air forces in Hong Kong. This policy will be reviewed later in the light of your recommendations when our
air resources have improved.
Air Ministry communicating
direct regarding aerodrome development,
of 24/10 refers).
(Telegram No. X 949 whare.
In the meanwhile you should do anything
you can out of local resources to improve the protection of
Kai Tak aerodromne.
4.
C-in-C., Far East please pass to C-in-C., Chine.
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