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S.A.C.S.E....

75

COSSEA 554

1.

17th August 1946.

Following from Chiefs of Staff.

Reference SEACOS 727.

We have consulted Colonial Office who agree that in matters of dispute arising between civil and Service authorities in Hong Kong, the following conditions would apply:-

2.

(1) In cases of dispute between civil and Service

authorities affecting strategic issues concern- ing the South East Asia zone, the matter would properly be the purview or the British Defence Committee South East Asia, and should be referred to them in the first place.

(ii)In cases of dispute between the Service and

civil authorities on administrative or o her subjects, which were solely the local concern of the colony of Hong Kong, the matter should be referred to London for decision.

Reference paragraph 3. The above interpretation is compatible with the instructions issued by the Colonial Office to the Governor-Guneral of Malaya and would meet the position of the military commanders in Hong Kong in relation to their respective Commanders-in-Chief.

3.

Constitution of Jouth East Asia Defence Committee provides that the Governors of British territories in South East Asia and local service Commanders will be invited to attend or send representatives when matters affecting their

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