CO537-4998 — Page 120

DEFENCE OF HONG KONG

EXTRACT FROM C.O.S.(49)

9.

#

COS (49)75•(3)

34 MEETING HELD 29/2

COFFTROL OF REFUGEES

(Previous Reference: Cos(49)8th Mtg.. Min.

cos(49)8th Mtg.. Min. 4(8)

SECRET

31

THE COMMITTEE had before them a letter from the Colonial Office covering a telegram from the Governor of Hong Kong

cerning the wiring of the frontier between Hong Kong and the mainland.

LT. GENERAL TEMPLER said that the Chiefs of Staff had previously thought it essential to erect wire obstacles now because great difficulty would be experienced in doing so

They had not when the flood of refugees actually began. realised, however, that the essential wiring could be done

Furthermore the local Defence in a very short time.

Committee agreed with the Governor that no wiring ought

In these circumstances the Chiefs to be done at present.

of Staff would accept the view of the Governor and the local Defence Committee.

THE COMMITTEE :

(a)

Instructed the Secretary to include this point in the telegram to the Commanders-in-Chief, Far East.

(b) Instructed the Secretary to reply

accordingly to the letter from the Colonial Office,

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