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SIR ANDREW CUNNINGHAM said that for the political reasons involved he could not agree that the best arrangement would be to have the Governor directly responsible to the Supreme Commander. Whilst he agreed that the administration of all forces in Hong Kong could be made the responsibility of South East Asia Command, the many political and military complications which were likely to arise in the near future over the evacuation of prisoners of war, shipping difficulties and of the fact that Hong Kong was geographically separated from South East Asia Command, he foresaw that it would be necessary for the Governor to report directly to the Chiefs of Staff Committee.
In discussion, it was agreed that it might be easier to arrive at an agreed solution if a directive to the Governor of Hong Kong were prepared as a basis for further discussion.
THE COMMITTEE:-
(a) Instructed the Secretary to prepare.
a directive to the Military Governor of Hong Kong in the light of the views expressed above;
(b) Agreed to reconsider the report
by the Joint Planning Staff together with this directive.
Offices of the Cabinet and
Minister of Defence, S.W.1.
24 AUGUST, 1945.
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