CO537-(205_1260-1262) — Page 826

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5. COMEND OF THE SERVICES IN HONG KONG AFTER THE

RESUMPTION ON CIVIL ADMINISTRATION

3 0.0.3.(46) 113

(Provious Reference: C.O.S.(46) 61st Keeting, Minute 3)

THE COMMITTEE considered a Note by the Secretary stating that the Colonial office had concurred in the arrangements agreed upon by the Chiefs of starf in a report by the Joint Planning Stuff, with regard to the command of the three Services in Hong Kong after the resumption of civil administration. The amiralty, War office and Air Ministry had consequently, in anticipation of instructions, boen invited to prepare and issue the necessary instructions to their respective Service Commanders in Hong Kong.

REAR ADMIRL LIBE and MAJOR GENERAL SUGDEN confirmed that instructions had already been issued by the dmiralty and War Office.

REAR ADMIR'L LUBE said that the First Sea Lord was anxious to know whether the Committee still felt that it was necessary for the Chairman of the Inter-Service Committee to act as the agent of the Committee in dealing with the Governor on matters of an inter-Service nature. While the Pirat Sea Lord was quito content for the Army representative to be the Chairman of the Committec, he thought that the normal practice, for Inter-Service Jommittees should be followed, viz. that all three members should be in a position to deal with the Governor on matters concerning their respective Services.

ILOR GENERAL SUGDEN suid he thought this arrangement had been agreed to at the request of the Colonial Office. In any case each of the local communders lid, however, have equal right of access to the Governor on mattors peculiar to their own Servicos.

It was intended that

the Chairman should only deal with the Governor on inter- Service matters on which there was general agreement.

He suggestel that in the Admiralty felt strongly on this point, it should be raised with the Chior's of Staff after consultation with the Colonial officu.

THE COMMIFTEE:-

(a) Took note of the Note by the Secretary with

regard to the command of the Services in Hong Kong on the resumption of civil administration;

(b) Took noto that the dirty might raise

with the Chiefs of Steff the question

of the relationship of the chairman of the Inter-Service Committee to the Govornor of Hong Kong if they considered this nocessary after discussion with the Colonial Office.

21

ØJ.P. (46) 34 (Final)

-6-

Ref.:

CO 537/1262

THE NATIONAL ARCHIVES

2

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