(0) While we agree, in general, with Colonial Office proposal to accelerate additional Malay battalions, we have emphasised to them that extra battalions would not be ready to free other forces for Hong Kong before late 1949 even if decision to do this was given now, Nevertheless, War Office have been invited to examine proposal as a matter of urgency.
(a) We agree with your estimate of R.F. and R.A.F. requirements subject in the case of the former to your proposals as requested in paragraph 2(c) above.
4.
Bafuree Prebleg.
(a) We consider refuges problen is most immediate threat whether or not accompanied by strikes, and it is essential that services should assist Civil Authorities to greatest& extent possible to check influx of refugees.
(b) Although erection of virs may present political difficulties, it must be proceeded with now as influx of large numbers of uncentrolled refugees will present even greater difficulties later.
5.
Action of Civil Government.
(a) Colonial Office consider, and we are inclined to agree, that it would be impossible in view of lack of European manpower and of unreliability of Chinese, to form an auxiliary Police Force.
(b) We consider, however, that attempts should be made to increase size of existing Police Force and that expansion of water-borne police should be examined,
(0) Possibility of recruiting an extra battalion in H.K.D.F. should also be examined.
(a) Recruitment of further Europeans or Asiatics other than Chinese should also be examined. Possibility of enlisting suitable ex-Servicemen in United Kingdom for service in Hong Kong Police Force is being studied here.
(e) Although Colonial Office think that recruitment of separate organisation for control of refugees would prejudice H.K.D.F. recruiting, we agree that such an organisation should be formed. We also agree that arrangements should be made for registration of food rationing to discourage the illegal immigration.
2.
Ende.
Please pass copy to Paskin.
Distributed to:-
R. 243
P.3. to Miniater of State
Secretary of State
Mr. Holding
Paskin
Sir 2. Lloyd
Nr. Rees-Williams
Sir C, Jeffries
Mr. Poynton
મે
Sidebothaam
Mr. W.I.J. Wallace
Sect
Mir. T. Smith
Kr. Morgan
Mr. B.D. Edmonds.