CO537-4825 — Page 29

1 Thore

INWARD TELEGRAM

TO THE SECRETARY OF STATE FOR THE COLONIES

Cypher (0.T.P.)

FROM HONG KONG (Sir A. Grantham)

D. 24th December, 1948. R. 24th

"

*

18.05 hrs.

No.1187 Secret.

Ausa (13)

Addressed S. of S.

Repeated by savingram to Nanking.

11

Commissioner-General, South East Asia, Consul-General, Canton.

Your telegram No.1259.

(4)

1. I have discussed fully with the local Defence Committee and with the Secretary for Chinese Affairs, Commissioner of Labour and the Political Adviser, and the following represents our unanimous views.

2. Closure of border, however rigidly applied, could not (repeat not) prevent infiltration of communist It could, however, subject to what I have to say be low, be

agents. reasonably efficacious against a mass of refugees, and in view of my responsibility to the indigenous population and to 750,000 refugees already here, my policy must be based on firm, quick action at the frontier to effect closure as soon as signs of a serious influx are apparent. I could more easily guarantee the success of such a policy if the whole of the Colony was confident that it had the firm and explicit support of H.M.G. All problems, both civil and military, connected with the emergency (?envisaged) would be easier to handle if it could be publicly and unequivocally stated that H.M.G. is determined to maintain its position in Hong Kong, come what may, and the boost to morale would be very valuable on all hands.

3. The following are replies to queries contained in your paragraph 4

(1) Three battalions acting in support of the police and such elements of Hong Kong Defence Force as are available;

(11)

to total extent of garrison

1345 (1)

(111) I have already informed you in my telegram No.

that I consider this would prejudice recruitment for the Defence Force and undesirable that it is, one of the functions of the Defence Force,

(iv) as to the reliability of the police, considered

appreciation is that the majority could be relied upon if backed up by the military in circumstances envisaged. supplies of barbed wire not (repeat not) locally available, Action is being taken to increese and expedite indents already placed.

(v)

(vi) Probable effect in Hong Kong would be reassurance if

population were convinced that we meant to stand firm and (7see omitted) it through (paragraph 2 above),

Effect/