CO537-4825 — Page 33

3. The security forces available in Hong Kong

to meet any emergency were resumed as follows:-

(1) Police, an efficient force but as

largely composed of Chinese

unreliable.

(ii) The Hong Kong Defence des, the

Infantry element of which is only now

beginning to be recruited, so that no

reliance can be placed on the force

for about six months.

(iii) The regular garrison consisting at

present of one British and one Gurkha Infantry

/battalion:

another Gurkha battalion

will have joined the garrison by the

New Year, but it will only be half

trained and of doubtful reliability:

One regiment of Field Artillery.

If it is

4. The question of reinforcing the Police was

discussed. 25 to 30 Police Sub-Inspectors are

being transferred to Hồng Kũng, some ex-Palestine

and some ex-Service. The Governor has authority

to increase his Police establishment without

reference to the Colonial office.

suggested that he should have more Europeans

as opposed to Chinese Police this particular

thought will have to be put into his mind and

consideration must be given as to whether such

a step would affect the morale and general

efficiency of the force.

5. In general a better answer to Hong Kong's

situation would be the posting of more troops.

The suggestion that Assyrians might be specially

difficutiga. It

full of