CO537-(205_1260-1262) — Page 666

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Mr. Lloyd

I heard from the War Office to-day that the C.-in-C., Hong Kong has telegraphed to the Chiefs of Staff suggesting that even the 31st March was too early for the hand over. I have not yet seen the telegram, but I gather that

Admiral Harcourt referred to the shortage of supplies and the inadequacy of staff and also to the likelihood of Chinese armed forces passing through the Colony. I also understand that the Chiefe of Staff gave some preliminary consideration to this telegram and expressed some views on it and that it has now been remitted to the War Office for further study. I arranged with Major Smailes of C.A.4, who gave me this news, that we should be consulted in regard to the terms of the paper which the War Office is preparing for the Chiefs of Staff.

I mention the foregoing because it involves some amendment (which I have made) of the drafts submitted on this file.

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5.2

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Ref:

CO 537/1262

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