ANNEX II
Copy of telegram.No.1242 dated 2nd December 1948
from Colonial Office to Hong Kong.
Your telegram No.1068 Secret.
Measures for dealing with possible emergency in Hong Kong.
1.
Chiefs of Staff have asked Commanders-in-Chief Far East to prepare appreciation of way in which Hong Kong situation will develop. I understand that Commanders-in-Chief Farelf and Far East Station will visit Hong Kong shortly.
2.
Meanwhile COS have sent interim reply to my representations on the following lines: There is no objection to your seeking military assistance if situation goes beyond control of civil administration; roles of garrison in Hong Kong are however local defence of Colony and maintenance of law and order; and while there is no question that garrison will give all possible assistance in emergency, it would be dangerous to reduce it by using it for administrative tasks connected with refugee problems and public services at a time when its main efforts would need to be devoted to primary tasks. It is intended to send one Gurkha battalion to Hong Kong from Malaya in December to bring garrison up to its permanent strength. (I understand that 2/6 Gurkhas will leave Singapore by sea on 25th December). General intention in an emergency is to reinforce Hong Kong with Brigade Group from Far East theatre reserve, but this requirement would be most embarrassing while present situation in Malaya continues. Commanders-in-Chief Far East have to balance the requirements of Hong Kong and Malaya in the light of the fact that no additional land forces can be made available for Hong Kong from outside (repeat outside) the Far East theatre. (No mention is made at present of possibility of naval or air reinforcements).
3. Chiefs of Staff suggest that civil Security forces should be augmented by auxiliary and special police and also perhaps by a Home Guard. I have explained that you have been given authority to make temporary increases in establishment of Regular Police Force as you may consider necessary without reference to me; and also, that present plans for reconstitution of Hong Kong Volunteer Defence Force include a "Home Guard" element.
4. Meanwhile I should be extremely grateful for your promised reply on point raised in paragraphs 4 and 6 of my telegram No.1193.
Your telegram No.1103 is under urgent consideration.
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