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THE NATIONAL ARCHIVES

CO 537/1260

restrictions Further information is given in the enclosed Terms and Conditions of supply of National Archives' leaflet

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Please note that this copy is supphed

CO 537/1260

THE NATIONAL ARCHIVES

restrictions Further information is given in the enclosed "Terms and Conditions of supply of National Archives' leaflet.

to the National Archives' terms and conditions and that your use of it may be subject to copynghi

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DRAFT. LETTER

MAJOR GENERAL C.S. BUGDEN, C.B.,

0.B.E. DIRECTOR OF MILITARY OPERATIONS,

WAR OFFICE.

For Mr. Lloyd's simature.

TOP SECRET

FURTHER ACTION.

(45)

(24)

This is in answer to your letter M.0.12/B/1105 of the 31st July addressed to Gater who is away on leave

for a few days. We were relieved to

see that the Chiefs of Staff had agreed

for the present to defer consideration

of the proposals to withdraw British forces from Hong Kong and that the policy remains as laid down in the 0.0.8. telegram Oz 1403 of the 3rd April that the garrison will remain at two brigades at present but be reduced to one

when the police force is fully

established.

viz.

In view of this decision we think

it is premature at this stage even to

start making plans for the creation of

a police force or gendarmerie on the lines you suggest. Although we realize the great difficulties with which you are faced in providing United Kingdom troops for overseas garrisons, we are unable to agree in principle that the removal of British forces from Hong Kong in the foreseeable future can be justified.

I

enclose/

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