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Mr.
Mr..
Mr.
Mr...
Mr.
Secretary of State
Top Secret and рельная
Your Reference..
DRAFT.
Minister of State
Sir A. Grantham,
K.C.M.G.,
Government House,
Hong Kong.
FURTHER ACTION.
For the Secretary of State's Signature
In the course of discussions in connection
with the decision to send further reinforce-
ments to Hong Kong of which I told you in my
telegram, it has become apparent to the
Prime Minister, myself and my colleagues that
Hong Kong is rapidly assuming the character
of a fortress, and we have been giving urgent
consideration, in consultation with the Chiefs
Situation of Staff, to the solution which accordingly
emerges.
for the pursent at least
Two things are clear (a) that the Civil
Administration must continue to be carried
on
in the interests of the Colony generally
by a civilian Governor who is familiar with
all the local problems and difficulties, and
(b) that in the interests of military
preparedness and efficiency the appointment
of a Supreme Commander is needed, whose
decision in matters of defence and security
in the last event must prevail.
ing
We have been giving consideration as te
dividuata how in the present circumstances these criteris
could best be achieved and have come to the
conclusion that the best course would be to apport-a Supreme Commander and to
adopt the arrangement which existed in Ceylon
/ during