CO537-(1262-1649) — Page 1

Extract from

00 18 7

C.0.5. (46) 3124 July 9

25-4 February, 1946

cms

Ref.:

THE NATIONAL ARCHIVES

CO 537/1262

restrictions. Further information is given in the enclosed Terms and Conditions of supply of National Archives' leaflet. Please note that this copy is supplied subject to the National Archives' terms and conditions and that your use of it may be subject to copyright

15.

K

COMMAND OF SERVICES IN HONG KONG AFTER RESUMPTION OF CIVIL GOVERNMENT

J.P.(46) 34 Final

(Previous Reference: 0.0.S.(46) 28th Mtg, Min, 11)

THE COMMITTEE considered a report by the Joint Planning Staff examining; the arrangements to be made for the command of the three Services in Hong Kong, after the return of the Civil Government,

LORD CUNNINGHAM said that in his opinion it would be premature to reinstate the Civil Governor in Hong Kong on the 1st April. The C.-in-C. Hong Kong had reported that the 93rd Chinese Army would start to pass through Hong Kong shortly. In order to facilitate arrangements for their passago with the Chinese, it would be most desirable for the Governor of Hong Kong to be a member of the armed forces at that time. The Admiralty had no objection to Admiral Harcourt continuing in his present post for the time being.

LORD ALANBROOKE agreed that it would be most desirable for Admiral Harcourt to continue to perform the duties of C.-in-C. Hong Kong, and suggested that there would be no objection to the resumption of civil administration on the 1st April 1946, provided Admiral Harcourt was appointed Governor of the Colony.

LORD CUNNINGHIM, referring to a previous meeting at which the Secretary had been instructed to obtain the views of the Foreign Office on a proposal to restrict the movement

of Chinese troops through Hong Kong, suggested that the Foreign Office be asked to oxpedite their reply to the Secretary's minute on the subject.

THE COMMITTEE:-

(a) Invited General Ismay to consult

Sir George Gator with a view to discovering the Colonial Office attitude to the suggestion at X abovu.

(b) agreed to defer consideration of the J.P.

report until the attitude of the Colonial Office was known.

(c) Instructed the Secretary to enquire

from the Foreign Office when a reply to the letter at 'Y' above could be expooted.

יצי

יצי

9m 4243 254 233

* IZ 1096

COS(46) 20th Mtg, Min. 5 COS.152/6

x Annex I.

Annex II.

-6-

2

Ins