SAVINGRAM
To the Secretary of State for the Colonies.
From the Governor, Hong Kong.
Date
N.............
Page two.
73
Jusys
1300
Emergency Unit up to a strength of 100 men.
3.
I consider that this temporary increase is essential in
order to preserve law and order in Hong Kong and Kowloon where an
additional 50 men are required to take over duties formerly carried out
by Service personnel and to carry out the policing of the frontier and
the New Territories which will absorb the balance of the proposed
increase.
Responsibility for the frontier and the New Territories will
be taken over by the Police from the military authorities on 1st April,
1947.
4.
The estimated cost of this increase for the remainder of
the present financial year is $20,800. Consideration will be given to
reduction in the number of the Cantonese contingent as soon as a decision
has been reached regarding the return of the Indian contingent and when
it becomes known whether further recruitment for the Northern Chinese
contingent is again possible. ssible.
Wastage in the Force is at present very
heavy and it is anticipated that no difficulty will be experienced in
effecting a reduction at the right time.
5.
I should be grateful for your covering approval by tele-
graph of this increase in local staff.