COPY
TOP SECRET
INSTRUCTIONS TO THE GOVERNOR OF HONG KONG
Having regard to the threat to the security of Hong Kong,
His Majesty's Government have decided to appoint a Commander to
command all the Land, Air and Local Naval defence forces in Hong Kong.
He will be responsible to the British Defence Co-ordination Committee
through the Commanders-in-Chief, Far East.
2. In this connection His Majesty's Government have had under
consideration the recommendations in your secret despatch No. 15 of
the 3rd May, 1949, that in present circumstances the Hong Kong
Government should continue to take all possible measures of defence and
security, provided they do not jeopardise the primary function of the
Colony as a trading base.
3.
His Majesty's Government fully recognise that it is most important in the interests of the welfare of the population of the Colony and of
internal security that the commercial life of Hong Kong should be
maintained to the fullest extent compatible with the developing
situation. Nevertheless, haveing regard to the threat to the security of the Colony from external aggression and/or internal unrest
His Majesty's Government have decided that, in the event of any differences of opinion as to the necessity for, or execution of, any security measures, the views of the Commander, Hong Kong should prevail provided that, except in cases of extreme urgency, if the difference of opinion concerns a matter of great importance to the welfare of the Colony you shall have the right to refer the matter to the Secretary of State for the
In the event of your Colonies and shall be guided by his decision.
appealing to the Secretary of State you should immediately inform the
British Defence Co-ordination Committee.
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A copy of these instructions has been communicated to the
Commander designate.