CO537-(205_1260-1262) — Page 781

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Draft Telegram to Governor, Hong Kong

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The Chiefs of Staff, in consultation with this office, have been considering the arrangements for the command of the three Services in Hong Kong now that Civil Administration has been resumed. The following procedure has been approved:-

(1) The three Service Commandere in Hong Kong will be of equal status, local inter-service co-ordination being effected through an Inter Service Committee consisting of the three local commanders. It is not intended to appoint a Fortress Commander.

(11) A Local Defence Committee, under your Chairmanship, should be established for the co-ordination of civil and service matters in Hong Kong. The three Service Commanders serving on the Defence Committee will

thus have equal right of access to you.

Conflicts

(111) Local disagreement between the Services will be referred to the Commanders-in-Chief concerned, between service and civil requirements which cannot be resolved locally will be a matter for consultation between the Commanders-in-Chief and yourself. If it is not possible to reach agreement the question will have to be referred to London,

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(iv) The individual Service Commanders will be responsible to their respective Ministries in London through their Commanders-in-Chief; the Royal Naval Commander being responsible to the Commander-in-Chief British Pacific Fleet; the Army Commander to the Commander-in-Chief, Allied Land Forces South East Asia; and the Royal Air Force Commander to the Air Commander-

The administrative in-Chief, Air Command, South East Asia. responsibility of the Supreme Commander, South East Asia as regarde priority for the Army, Royal Air Force and Civil Affairs, will remain unaltered.

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CO 537/1262 THE NATIONAL ARCHIVES

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