CO537-(205_1260-1262) — Page 923

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1st March, 1946.

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CO 537/1262

THE NATIONAL ARCHIVES

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restrictions Further information is given in the enclosed Terms and Conditions of supply of Nations Archives' leafle Please note that this copy is supplied subject to the National Archives' terms and conditions and that your use of it may be subject la copyright

my dear Tomay

Many thanks for your letter of the 25th Febru_ry, usking for our views on the suggestion that, in view of the difficulties that are likely to arise during the passuge of Chinese troops through Hong Kong in the near future, Admiral Harcourt should remain as civil Governor after the termination of the military period, which is due to take place at the end of this month. I am sorry for the delay in sending you this reply.

It may not have been realised that Sir Hark Young is still the Governor of Hong Kong, us his original period of office does not expire until September, 1946. He is completely recovered in health and there is, therefore, no question of calling upon him to retire before the completion of that term. Moreover, with the Prime Minister's approval, His Majesty was advised to approve, and did approve some weeks ago, the extension of Sir Mark Young's term to a date which will enable him to complete a year's duty in the Colony from the date of his return.

It will, I think, be appreciated that in these circumstances, and so long as Sir Mark Young is fit and ready to return, which he is, we could not consider the suggestion for the appointment of someone else as Governor on the resumption of civil administration, even if the period of that appointment were to be strictly limited. If, therefore, the difficulties that are likely to arise in connection with the passage through the territory of Chinese forces are such as to need handling by some Service authority then a continuance of military administration, with all that it implies, seems to be the only course to adopt. But I take leave to doubt whether, on his record during the JapanE BO

General Sir Hastings Ismay, CH., FCB., DSO.

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