3
(2)
(e) The Civil authorities must consider taking all possible steps to counter and control the refugee problem including the erection of wire, making arrangements for food rationing and registration, estab- lishing a refugee organisation and_expand- ing the existing Hong Kong Police Force and Defence Force. The raising of a separate Auxiliary Police Force is consid- ered impracticable.
(f) The civil and military resources in Hong Kong would be inadequate to deal with both attacks by Guerilla forces and the refugee problem, without reinforcement by a Brigade Group. This could only be found at the expense of forces now in Malaya.
(g)
The Colonial Office suggestion to raise battalions of the Malay Regiment to release other forces for service in Hong Kong should be examined as a matter of urgency by the War Office.
(b) The Governor, advised by the Naval C-in-C, should be asked to prepare an appreciation on how best to prevent illegal entry by ea.
Our immediately following telegram sets out major points arising from our discussion with Colonial Office.
4. We shall be considering overall strategic implications of developments in China on the Far East early next week and will inform you of our views in due course.
CIRCULATION
D. C. O. R.
Foreign Office.
War Registry, Ad iralty.
Message Control, War Office.
TOO 1514122
Registry Telegrams, Air Ministry.
Chief of Combined Operations Staff.
Secretary of State for Colonies. Colonel Leisching.
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