CO537-(205_1260-1262) — Page 200

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CO 537/1260

THE NATIONAL ARCHIVES

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

9.

Short Term Policy.

In a recent telegram C.-in-C.,

Hong Kong, has urged the retention of the existing garrison for the following main reasons:-

10.

(a) The present inadequacy of the Police Force.

(b) The increased security burden as a result

of unsettled conditions following on enemy occupation;

(၁)

The prosent economic distress. (a) The "open" frontier which allows the

passage of large numbers of undesirables.

(e) The continued movement of large numbers of Chinese troops through the Colony.

(f) The fact that the Nationalist Porces in

Kvantung are constantly driving Communist,

alias bandit, forces of anything up to 500 in strength against our land and sea frontiers.

We consider the development of a properly organised

and armed Police Force will enable some of the above duties, now handled by garrison forces, to, be taken over by the Police.

Even when the Police Force has been reformed we shall not be able to dispense with the deterrent garrison in view of the opinion held by both the C.-in-C., Hong Kong, and by the J.I.C. rogarding the possibility of attack by the Chinese War Lord.

to:-

11.

The Forces for this purpose should also be adequate

(a)

Provide an armed backing to assist the Police

in maintaining internal security.

(b) Control the frontier.

(c) Protect shipping against piracy.

(a) Uphold British prestige and act as a deterrent

to Chinese aspirations.

Reduction of Garrison. We are unable to forecast the possible timing for the reduction of our garrison which must in the first place depend on the formation of an adequate and efficient police force and subsequently on the situation in China.

We consider that reductions should be made in accordance with the following phases: -

Phase I

-

Phase II

This will last until the Police

Force is adequate and efficient.

This will continue as long as China

romains in its presont unsettled statu. A deterrent garrison only will be required.

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Ref.

CO 537/1260

THE NATIONAL ARCHIVES

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 i may be subject to copyright

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