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CONFIDENTIAL
starts, but this is an untidy compromise, and would probably not prove satisfactory.
This whole question will have to be discussed with the G.0.C. when he returns.
Mistakes:
Some Staff Officers are not cleay how the existing system of command should work. This is possibly due to the fact that Brigade Internal Security Instructions is a somewhat confusing document, and requires revision.
The main error was that Erigade Headquarters does not understand that when the G.0.C. takes command of all Internal Security he exercises that command as follows:-
(1) (ii)
For HONG KONG through CO the Island Battalion. For KOWLOON and the NE TERRITORIES through the Commander KOWLOON Infantry Erigade.
The Colony reserve, at all times directly under command the G.0.C., is 25 Field Regiment less those men committed to relieving Brigade units of static guards. threat to the Colony develops, the G.O.C. will release
If an outside KOWLOON Infantry Brigade complete with one Battery of 25 Field Regiment under command for operations in the NEW TERRITORIES.
Until such time as the G.0.C. is satisfied that the Police are unlikely to require further military assistance in the towns of HONG KONG or KOLOON, 25 Field Regiment complete will not be available to support KO ICON Brigade.
When the Brigade Commander is relieved of I.3. duties CO 25 Field Regiment will assume rosponsibility for both HONG KONG and KOWLOON.
Control of I.S. Action:
Higher Headquarters must not interfere with the handling of an aid to the Civil power situation by a Company Commander or equivalent. Once the troops have been despatched it is the task of the Officer Co randing the troops on the spot to handle the situation in co-operation with the Police, without unnecessary interference from above.