CO537-4998 — Page 230

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Wizing of the frontior.

I shall be in a better position to restate my viows when the present urgent detailed survey of the frontier is completed. I axpect the result of that aurvey in which the military are participating to support the view that contimous wiring is not (repeat not) required and is, in any case, undesirable not only because of omsiderable number of men who would have to be deployed to watch wire, but also for reagon stated in fourth sentence of paragraph one above, With regard to political effect of wiring I believe that, if wiring is done Ostensibly in discharge of obligations under Customs Agreement, there will be 11ttle need to fear my undue repercussion. use of fireeras in control of the frontier has been previously considered, see my talegram No. 1187 of 1946, sevingrom No.37 to the Commissioner General. There would almost certainly be violent repercusaion in China and the Colony. Whilst, therefore, we might be forced to take such action we should not (repeat not) do so if we could possibly avoid it.

3a

Rationing.

The

The following are normal and present a tocks of essential foodstuff and supplies held here based on present population:-

Be at Plour Coed

3 months

5 months

repeat

to 7 veske

to 5 months if we are not

not) required to bunker and two months 1t wo ere.

* Firewood two weeks beld in Government reserve. plus whatever is held by commerciel concerns who supply daily needs of the community. I have desided to build up Government (orrupt group freserves) to four weeks and action le being taken accordingly, Action is also being taken to ensure substantial roserve of blaned, goode, particularly milk, There is in existence rationing Bycken which is capable of fairly rapid extenaĵon 17 need should arise. At present need for it is not (repeat not) agparent and its introduction would have no effect upon (?imigration) into the Colony,

Registration

I have decided to introduce systel of registrstica In two stage. The first stage will be voluntary regi utrusion of poreons at present on reflon atrength and any others desirous of being registered.

Second stage, which will not be implemented until necessary,vill be compulsory registration. It is actimated that (716 omitted) will take about four months to make arvengaments for stuge one to be carried out. Action is proceeding. addition polic have preperad scheme for security registration of all persons in the New Territories and of Workers in essential industries, e.g. utilities, throughout the Colony, This would be compulsory and would not be brought inte operation until emergengy were declared.

In

5.

Police Force,

Provided increases in establishment & of gazetted officers proposed in my despatch (No. 73) 15th October 1948 are

/sparoved

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