Enclosure No.3.
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HONG KONG LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL.
Finally, may I, Sir, on behalf of my Chinese colleagues and myself, once more pledge the willing co-operation and support of the Chinese Community in any measures which Your Excellency may find it necessary to take in the interests of the Colony in these abnormal times? (Applause).
THE COLONIAL SECRETARY.-Your Excellency,-The only point which has arisen to which an answer seems required is the suggestion of racial discrimination within the Hong Kong Volunteer Defence Corps. I am grateful to the Honourable Mr. Lo Man-kam for the opportunity to state that his fears on this subject are groundless.
This Government fully agrees that all members of the Corps should receive equal treatment in every respect and at all times. (Applause).
H.E. THE GENERAL OFFICER COMMANDING.-Your Excel- lency, Last week when this Bill was read for the first time in this Council I was away in North China, I therefore take this opportunity to assure Hon. Members how much importance I, as Fortress Commander, attach to it.
No one can forecast the future in the present circumstances and nobody can say what will happen. It may be that this Fortress will be attacked. If it is attacked, we shall resist to the full power of our resources and strength.
I mention this point because it is possible that rumours to the contrary may have reached the ears of Hon. Members-rumours spread by those ill-disposed towards us. I wish to point out that these rumours are entirely false. It is our intention to defend the Colony to the end, and those who proclaim to the contrary are making mis-statements.
It is my duty to bring to the notice of Hon. Members any questions which I consider are important to the defence of this Colony. This Bill I consider to be essential in order that the British European man- power may be organised and distributed in the best way possible.
It is possible that Hon. Members may be in doubt on the rather vexed question of key men, and I think they will be glad to hear how it is proposed to solve the problem of those Members of the Volunteers who are now in fact key men. I have pointed out on various occasions in the past that, in my judgment, the number of key men who will remain in a real emergency will be comparatively few, but the fact remains that there are undoubtedly a number of essential services and civil organisations which must be maintained in any circumstances and are as important and, in some instances, more important in war than in peace.
At this moment there are undoubtedly a number of members of the Volunteers who are key men and whose services will be required in their civil occupations in war, either permanently for the initial
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