CO537-2774 — Page 21

OUTWARD TELEGRAM.

FROM THE SECRETARY OF STATE FOR THE COLONIES.

5. de regards reorganisation of Keng Keng Volunteer Defence Force, subject to concurrence of your military advisers I suggest concentration primarily on recruitment and training of infantry element, even to detriment of organisation of other components, stress of training being at present laid on internal security duties, such as guards, patrols, street fighting, ett Equipment for 500 men understood to be ready for delivery as soon as formalities are completed. Assimo nec095217 indents are being sent forward as suggested in my telegram No.1138. The Ordinance (your savingram No.91 referae) is now under urgent consideration, and you may assume that, subject to certain auggested amendments which will be telegraphed separately, there will be no objection to your presenting it to Legislative Council on 24th November.

6. Please confirm that, apart from equipment and passage of ordinance, nothing now precludes immediate recruitment and organisation of infantry component. Grateful also for estimate of period which must elapse after receipt of equipment before effective force for internal security duties will be ready,

7. I fully appreciate that, in framing your plans on civil side and for reorganisation of Hong Kong Volunteer Defence Force, you must seck assistance and co-operation of Service authorities in Hong Kong, and I feel confident that all necessary assistance from them is and will be forthcoming.

8. Copy follows by air, with copy of Colonial Office letter to Chiefs of Staff,

Distributed to:-

R. 243

Secretary of State Minister of State Sir T. Lloyd

Er. Rees-Williams

Sir 0, Jeffries

Mr. Poynton

Mr. Holding

Mr. Seel

K. Morgan.

Kr. Trafford Salth

Mr. Paskia

Mr. Sidebotham

Mr. W.Iad, Wallace

Sir K. Leguar

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