1
2
cms
Ref.:
CO 537/1262
THE NATIONAL ARCHIVES
N
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
00 188
1
2
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
ANNEX I
Copy of a letter (COS.227/6) dated 25th February, 1946 from General Ismay to the Colonial Office
The Chiefs of Staff this morning considered the letter from Chalmers of the 5th February to the Secretary of the Chiefs of Staff Committee, about the turnover to civil administration in Hong Kong.
The Chiefs of Staff note that the present intention is that civil administration is to be resumed on or about the 1st April, and that a decision will be necessary about arrangements for the command of the Services in Hong Kong in the new situation which will then arise.
The Chiefs of Staff take the view that there is an intermediate stage which requires consideration. They agree that the resumption of the civil administration in the near future is probably desirable, but they are very doubtful whether the time is yet ripe to reinstate a Civil Governor.
The use of Hong Kong as a transit port for large numbers of Chinese military personnel has created a delicate situation which has, in the view of the Chiefs of Staff, been most ably handled by Admiral Harcourt. It is true that the Chiefs of Staff have asked the Foreign Office and your Department whether there is any prospect of placing a time limit on this use of Hong Kong by Chinese military personnel, but, pending a cessation of this traffic, they feel it would be a mistake for a Civil Governor, who might be at a disadvantage in dealing with truculent Chinese Generals, to take over the reins of Government from Admirul Harcourt.
If this should commend itself to you, the Admiralty would be prepared to leave Admiral Harcourt in his present appointment for as long as may be necessary.
ANNEX II
Copy of a letter (COS.226/6) dated 25th February, 1946 from the Secretary, Chiefs of Staff Committee to the Foreign Office
At their meetin: today the Chiefs of Staff asked what action the Foreign Office had taken on the suggestion that a time limit should be fixed to the use of Embarkation facilities at Hong Kong by Chinese forces (see luttur No. Cos.152/6 dated 6th February).
2. Could you please let me know for the information of the Chiefs of Staff how the mattur stands? I have seen nothing beyond a letter dated 13th February from Sir George Gater to Sir Ormo Sargent on this subject expressing views similar to tho BC held by the Chiefs of Staff and suggesting the lines of an enquiry to be made of the Commander-in-Chief, Hong Kong.
-10-
N
No comments yet.
Private notes are available after approval.