--2--
Fifth.
In preparing this scheme you should note carefully the following
paragraphs:
Sixth.
(a) The Colonial Office will require to confirm the scheme
generally including the selection of personnel earmarked for
this duty in HONG KONG.
103
(b) The Colonial Office will supply guidance on matters of policy
(၁)
(a)
in connection with para 4(c) above.
It is expected that some or all of these personnel would be
needed to continue duty as members of the subsequent Civil Affairs
Unit.
The Civil Affairs Unit which will eventually accompany the
regular forces of occupation is at present only nucleus and when
selection to complete it begins it is likely that the Colonial
Office will need to consult you as to eventual release of some
personnel now in CHINA including some in BAAG and other organisations
for posting to the Civil Affairs Unit.
It will be necessary to keep the whole emergency scheme under constant
revision in the light of changing circumstances in CHINA. This applies
not only to availability of personnel but also to the agency best suited
for use at the time.
Seventh.
It is of utmost importance that no hint of this emergency scheme
should reach any but British personnel, and then only on the strictest
injunctions as to secrecy.
Personnel now in MACAO are not to be informed
or considered for this scheme without prior agreement of the F.0.
Eighth.
You should show this signal to Ambassador and keep in close touch
with him in preparation of the scheme.
Ninth.
Ends.
Above agreed by War Office, Foreign Office, Colonial Office, SOE,
SI.S. CAWTHORN and GRIMSDALE have also seen and agreed.
Distribution:
D.M.O.
D.M.I.
D.D.M.I.(P), (1), (0 & 5), (P/W) M.I.2, 2b, 6, 9, 19, 17.
Foreign Office (Mr. Sterndale Bennett)
Colonial Office (Mr. Gent)
M.0.1 (S) (Col. Taylor).