OUTWARD TELEGRAM.
FROM THE SECRETARY OF STATE FOR THE COLONIES.
Origon
Copy
94001/28/48
Cypher (0.T.P.)
TO HONG KONG (Six A. Grantham)
Sent 19th November, 1948. 13.15 hrs.
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INMEDIATE
No.1193 Top Seoret.
Addreased Governer Heng Kong.
Reported Countacioner-General for the U.K. in South East Asia,
No.469. (Please pass to Governor, Hong Kong, if in
Singapore).
10 By telegram No, 1152.
Measures for dealing with possible emergency in Hong Kong.
I am referring to Chiefs of Staff this question (which may arise if Chinese Communists continue southward advance) with object of ensuring fullest collaboration of all local military authorities and scouring from Commanders-in-Chief, Far East, early appreciation and plan for dealing with: sit ourɣeady. I en explaining to Chiefs of Staff that us envisage that, if Consumists are able to mount successful new offensive south of Yangtue, cumulative influx of refugees into Hong Kong may occur, including possible Cormnanist agents as well as speed desertars, or even formed bodies of troops attempting to surrender to internuenit: that tenowently, or separately, federation of trades unions might be inspired te declare partial or general strike effecting public utility services, Accompanied possibly by disorder and sabotage.
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I am cryphasising that, at pressut, you are bound to rely on the Folice alone to deal with either or both above emergencies, and that reorganisation of Hong Kong Volunteer Defence Force to reliable standard of training, sad even fer provision of static guards and limited patrola før datorani security, is likely to take at least six months. I am suggesting vzgeot consideration of restoration of Garrison to full. strength, and possibly the provision of some săditional forces izvediately.
30 I an also referring to possible need for evacuation of European nationals particularly women and children, and have sought information how far military and air authorities could seriat if necessary.
La
To enable me te infern Chiefs of Staff what is being done pa civil side, please telegraph information on following points;-
(a)
(b)
Is there a security scheme for dealing with either or both emergencies referred to in paragraph 1 above? How soon do you expect to have plans ready for refugee camps, etc.7
fas question of evacuation of European nationals been considered in detail, and car wumbers and categories of persons concerned be stated7
(0) Azo any special plīvas in existence for maintenance of public
utility and dock nervices in event of serious strikes?
5./
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