G. O.
Mr.........
Mr.
Mr.
Mr.
Mr...
Permt. U.S. of S.
Parly. U.S. of S.
Secretary of State.
SAVING NO.
00032
DRAFT. SAVINGRAM.
1.
GOVERNOR,
HONG KONG.
RECUVOD
- 1 JAN 147 0.0-RCGY
TOP SECRET:
FUTURE GARRISON OF HONG KONG.
Defence Committee have decided that
Hong Kong shall be regarded as an undefended
port since Colony cannot be defended against an
attack by a Hajor Power in occupation of the
Chinese mainland. Permanent stationing of
regular troops in Hong Kong would entail
commitment to defend the Colony, a commitment
which must be avoided. It is fully realised
that withdrawal of military garrison is
impracticable at present and it will not be
withdrawn until circumstances in the Colony
permit. But in the light of considerations set
out above, and the shortage of manpower available]
to the Services, and necessity to cut down all
overseas commitments Chief of Staffs consider
►
Lipa
مند من
plase
that withdrawal of British garrison should be
as soon as practicable.
Ref.
CO 537/1261
THE NATIONAL ARCHIVES
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FURTHER ACTION.
2.
Chiefs of Staff have suggested that a
gendarmerie should be raised to replace the
garrison with a duty to ensure internal security
and local protection of the Colony against
guerrillas.
3.
I should be grateful for your views on
the sabes proposal and also for any suggestions
you may have as to the constitution of such a
force. Advice on the following points would be
/welcome