4
Secretariat File No. (2711/46)
SAVINGRAM
5
tust 16,
11
Copied to: H.E. the General
Officer Commanding, H.Q. Land Forces, Hong Kong.
To the Secretary of State for the Colonies.
Officer Administering the Government,
From the Governor, Hong Kong.
Date
September, 1948.
पा
No.
SECRET
54299/48
My secret despatch Ilo. 29 of 30th July, 1948, and previous correspondence. Vulnerable Points.
1.
I have now been approached with the suggestion that in the event of serious internal unrest extended use should be made of the Protected Places (Safety) Ordinance.
2.
It will be my intention in the event of an emergency to keep the Armed Forces so far as possible as a striking force and not to dissipate their resources in static guards. Apart from the provision of a striking force their functions will necessarily include the safe- guarding of their own premises. Some of these are very extensive and to guard them adequately without special powers woulû cause a dis- proportionate drain on manpower. It has therefore been proposed to me that certain premises occupied by the armed services and regarded by then as vulnerable points should, in an em rgency, be declared protected places. This would enable the number of men employed in static guards to be greatly cut down and would enable e to have a considerably larger striling force at my disposal. At the best of times the ga.rison is no more than barely sufficient, nd at present with the loss of the Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers, it is dangerously depleted. I therefore strongly support the recommendation. The following is a list of the additional service establishments which would require to be so treated:
3.
Wellington Barracks
Victoria Barracks Murray Barracks
Stanley Fort
Lyemun Barracks
ilitary Hospital
RELE Workshops Arsenal Yard
Gun Club Hill Barracks
Tai Lam Ca
Sun fai Camp
Argyle Street Camp
It may also be considered advisable to include a number of vulnerable points other than those occupied by the armed services and this point will be further examined.
4.
Grateful to be informed that you see 10 objection to the use of the Protected Places (Safety) Ordi.ce in this way if the occasion should arise.
RECEIVED
18 SEP 1948
C.O. REGY.
A.