CO537-(205_1260-1262) — Page 794

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9. In our opinion inter-service co-ordination in Hong Kong should be effected through a committee of the three local commanders. Since General officer Commanding Land Forces has the major responsibility for internal security in the Colony and for dealing with Chinose military authorities, we consider that under present conditions he should be appointed Chairman of the Committoo. He will not, however, be Fortress Commander.

10.

Similarly, we consider that co-ordination of civil and Service matters should be effected by a Local Defence Committee consisting of the local Service Commanders under the Chairmanship of the Governor. In the event of a conflict between Service and civil requirements which could not be resolved locally the question would be referred to the Commanders-in-Chief for consultation with the Governor.

Conclusions

11. We conclude that:-

(a) A Local Defence Committee, consisting of the

three local Service Commanders, should be established under the Chairmanship of the Governor for the co-ordination of civil and Service matters in Hong Kong.

(b) An Inter-service Committee, consisting of the

three local commanders under the Chairmanship of the General Officer Commanding Land Forcea, should be responsible for inter-aorvice co-ordination in the Colony.

Recommendations

12.

We recommend that:-

(a) the letter at Annex, covering a draft telegram

to the Governor of Hong Kong, be sent to the Colonial Office;

(b) when the concurrence of the Colonial Office

has been received to the terms of the draft tologram, the Survice Ministries be instructed to issue rovised directives to their Service Representatives.

Offices of the Cabinet and

Minister of Defence, S.W.1.

28TH MAY, 1946.

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Ref:

CO 537/1262 THE NATIONAL, ARCHIVES

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