CO537-(1262-1649) — Page 805

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CO 537/1503

THE NATIONAL ARCHIVES

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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

00021

Krom: Lt-Col P.R. Hemans, GSO I, SD 2.

SD2/7180

N

Dear Chalmers.

?

THE WAR OFFICE,

WHITEHALL, S.W.1.

21st January, 1946.

tch the

IV

Future of the Hong Kong Singapore R‚‚

Msieb 26550/

NF

5.

N.T. 204

As you know, we have already decided the short term (2) policy for the HKSRA, our 88224 cipher SD2b of 6 Dec refers,

Anes

refer su 202 NT VAS26 Meanwhile we have been examining the long term policy. We feel that as India may soon have autonomous government, the best plan will be to recruit from the areas where it is required to operate, 1.e. Hong Kong and Singapore. This principle is generally agreed but it presents several difficulties. Firstly, it will entail recruiting from various nationalities, probably Chinese, Malayans, Portuguese and Filipinos; this will involve the question of their suitability and of Colonial Government approval, Secondly, the terms of service and rates of pay will require very careful consideration to avoid unwelcome rivalry in recruiting between HKSRA and the Malay Regt. Thirdly, the treatment of the Indians already enlisted will have to be decided.

These and other problems will vitally concern you, and I think the only way to reach a good and balanced decision is to hold a conference attended by representatives of all concerned to discuss the whole matter.

If you agree, I will arrange this in the near future,

and inform you of the details of time and place.

Lt-Col J.D. Chalmers,

Colonial Office,

S.W. 1.

Jours Sincerely

Bothmans.

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THE NATIONAL ARCHIVES

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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 copynight

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