11. If this proposal can be implemented I would propose at the same time to make an urgent appeal for volunteers to come forward and join the Defence Force. The public, having been heartened by a blunt statement of policy, would find in the Defence Force an outlet for their understandable personal anxiety: I should confidently expect a very good response to such an appeal, launched in such circumstances, and the moral effect of recent Communist successes would thus have been turned to our own ends.
12.
The Communist attack on His Majesty's ships in the Yangtze has caused grave alarm here. It is being said that neither British prestige nor British military strength is any longer adequate to safeguard British interests in the Far East. If the interests of Hong Kong only were to be considered then I should advocate an official statement by the appropriate Minister of the Crown, to the effect that the Navy, having been ill-requited for their employ- ment of peaceful methods on their lawful occasions, have now been ordered to reply without any hesitation to provocation.
I have the honour to be,
Sir,
Your most obedient, humble servant,
(Signed) A.G. GRANTHAM
GOVERNOR
The Right Honourable A. Crouch Jones, M.P.
cc:
H.E. the General Officer Commanding, H.Q. Land Forces, Hong Kong.
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