Registration Copy on 94001/28
INWARD TELEGRAM
TO THE SECRETARY OF STATE FOR THE COLONIES
Cypher (0.7.7.)
FROM HONG KONG Sir A. Grantham) D. 30th December, 1948.
R. 30th
#
No. 1201 SECRET
13.40 hrs.
18
o
Addressed Secretary of State
Repeated Commissioner General No,151.
Your telegram No.1528. (on 94001/28/48)
Amergency Mensures.
I was not (repeat not) consulted in the preparation nepreciation referred to, which is perhaps regrettable.
But
I have already received copy of it from Singapore. Following
De ny comments on it and on your telegram under reference.
*
Threat to Hong Kong, I see nothing inherently ingrobable in conclusions of Commanders in Chief but it is really too early to make intelligent forecast. I have already informed you that I am at present of the opinion that attack or terrorism is unlikely in the period mentioned; possibility of wholesale influx of refugees (which also at present unlikely) would remain the primary problem. Threat of armed invasion envisaged by Commandera in Chier would merely present us with two primary problems.
3.
Garrison. June, 1949, is certainly the earliest date possible for the Hong Kong Defence Force Battalion to be operational.
Regarding your paragraph 2 (111), I should be grateful if my views could be pressed for reasons mentioned. Ploss) see in this connection my telograme Nos.1145 and 1187. Reference your paragraph 2 (111)(1), In the event of echar o:Zensive operations against the Colony by Chinese forces of either sido, we would have to be prepared to regard Chinese Police as uncertain although, as stated in my telegram No.1187, it is considered that they could be relied upon against mere influx of refugees if backed up by the Military and if His Hajestyis Government's determination to hold on in Hong Kong was made clear.
5.
Relief problem. I agree that the Services should not (repeat not) be distracted by responsibility for administering the refugee problem. I am already assured of their full
/cooperation