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MEMORANDUM ON MATTERS OF PRINCIPLE AFFECTING CIVIL GOVERNMENTS IN RELATION TO DEFENCE EMERGING FROM SERVICE DESPATCHES ON OPERATIONS IN THE FAR EAST.
CIVIL DEFENCE.
This subject will call for special study in the light of a directive expected to be received from LONDON.
B.
CIVILIAN MORALE.
1.
Should any attempt be made in peace-time to create and foster a stronger sense of local nationalism with a view to imbuing the local population with a stronger urge to resist external aggression and part- icipate more whole-heartedly in the war effort?
2.
3.
If so, what positive steps are suggested?
What policy should be adopted in regard to the vexed question of the evacuation overseas, in the event of external threat, of Europeans and Asiatics who do not regard themselves as locally domiciled? If the agreed policy is that such persons will be evacuated, should plans be put into effect:
(a)
when a major war, that is likely to spread to South East Asia, starts in another theatre?
4.
(b)
when South East Asia becomes affected?
(c) when there is a definite threat to the
country in which these persons are living?
Should non-domiciled women, who are enrolled in Defence Services or perform other essential work such as medical, be evacuated, or, in the light of the part played by women in the last war, should they remain to carry out their duties?
5.
What policy should be adopted in regard to Government officials in the event of the territory being overrun by the enemy, 1.e. should all officials be instructed to remain at their posts with a clear statement as to the disciplinary consequences of disobedience of orders, or should Defence plans be made on the basis that all Government officials, except those holding certain specified posts, be instructed to withdraw, and, if necessary, to be finally evacuated to safety should the enemy overrun the whole territory?
6.
If Government Orders are issued regarding evacuation of non-domiciled women and children as a precautionary measure, (e.g. Hong Kong), what steps can
/or
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