CO537-4998 — Page 257

3.

In their view, proper control of frontier will involve fever difficulties than maintenance of internal order in the Colony if flood of

(Attention of refugees is allowed to enter. 0.0.5. was also drawn to question of wsing fire to prevent illegal entry of refugees, but in their conclusion they have expressed no opinion. I assume you will be giving consideration to the important political problems involved in a decision to open 21iro to prevent entsy of refugees by unauthorised routes, and that this will be considered at B.D.C.C. meeting.)

(11) 0.0.8. understand that one of min difficulties

in increasing size of existing Police Force would be provision of Europeen officers, and thought it probably that, as numbers required will not be large, suitable ex-servicemen who could be easily and quickly trained may be available. They suggested that Colonial Office might contact Service Departments to obtain a list of suitable ex-servicemen; I am examining this suggestion.

(111) As regards 0.0.8. vier on arrangements for food rationing and registration, the

condiderable administrative difficulties. veru brought to their notice. I should be grateful for your further views on their recommendations.

(f) Civil and Military resources in Hong Kong would be

inadequate to deal both with attacks by guerilla forces and refugee problem, without reinforcement by a Brigade Group, which would only be found at AtDense of forces now in Malaya.

(g) Colonial Office suggestion to raise battalions of

the Malay Regiment to release other forces for service in Hong Kong should be examined urgently by the War Office, who have been invited to do this at once,

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(h) Governor, Hong Kong, advised by the Naval

Commander-in-Chief, should be asked to prepare appreciation on how best to prevent illegal outry

Noval of refugees and others by 608, Commander-in-Chier is being asked to give utmost assistance, (In this comsction it should be borne in mind that the patrolling of csast lines would not, it is understood, be a normal R.W. rože.

0.0.8. additionally concluded that A.A. Battery of Hong Kong Defence Force should, when formed, be adequate to deal with air threats to Colony, but as unit is unlikely to be ready until late 1950 War Office are exeming what interia arrangements can be made.

Views of 0.0.5. are being conveyed to Commander-in-Chief's

C.0.3. and I understand Committee, Far East, in similar terms. that above conclusions will be discussed by B.D.C.C., Far East, at forthcoming meeting. Please telegraph auntary of views of yourself and Commanders-in-Chief after meeting.