00221
hat the probable
poly and
ofore, consider any
er and abovo normal
ree with the
anisation including agents reporting
end that close
Embassy in China
ur of the formation
iary air force.
Colonial Office and
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the above defences
w when the matter
ses Committee.
above comments are
end base installationa
ice Ministries,
and maintenance
for consideration
ive Officers'
Ref.
CO 537/1260
THE NATIONAL ARCHIVES
restrictions. Further information is given in the enclosed Terms and Conditions of supply of National Archives' leaflet
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00222
15051/4
SECRET
Colonial Office Downing Street, S W.1.
31 January, 1946.
6.
Dear Townsend
Please refer to J.P.(48) 10(9) (Draft) of the 29th January on the subject of Admiral Harcourt's defence plan. We have just sent
to the Chiefs of Staff a memorandum asking them
to consider what arrangements should be made for
the command of the services in Hong Kong now that civi civil administration is about to be resumed and we feel that it would be desirable for further consideration of Admiral Harcourt's defence plan to be deferred until this question is settled.
In any event, we cannot at this stage give a decision on the future of local forces which are mentioned in paras 8(f) and 9(c) of your paper paras 17 of Annex II and para 10 of Annex III (the draft reply to Admiral Harcourt). While we are
in favour in prioniple, of retaining the H.K.V.D.C. and H.K. R.N.V.R., which did good work in the attack on Hong Kong, we cannot say whether this will be practicable or not until the civil government which financed and administered these forces, is again in operation and has been consulted. The Governors views may be affected among other things by what decisions are ultimately reached regarding compulsory service in the U.K. and Colonial Empire.
We should be glad therefore, if any remarks
on/
COMMANDER J.P. TOWNSEND.
ما
ems
Ref.
to the National Archives' lerms
CO 537/1260
THE NATIONAL ARCHIVES
2
Please note that this copy is supplied subject to the in the enclosed Terms and Conditions of supply of National Archives' lealle! ǝl your use of it may be subject to copyright
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