CO537-4998 — Page 261

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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.

(h) Governor, Hong Kong, advised by the Naval Commander-in-

Chief, should be asked to prepare appreciation on how best to

prevent illegal entry of refugees and others by sea. Naval

Commander-in-Chief is being asked to give utmost assistance.

this connection it should be borne in mind that the patrolling of

coast lines would not, it is understood, be a normal R.N. role.

(In

3. C.O.S. 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 examining what interim arrangements

can be made.

C.0.S.

4. Views of XXXXXXXXXXXXXXX are being conveyed to

Commanders-in-Chief's Committee, Far East, in similar terms.

C.O.S. and I understand that above conclusions will be discussed

by B.D.C.C., Far East, at forthcoming meeting. Please telegraph

summary of views of yourself and Commanders-in-Chief after meeting.

5. You will observe that C.0.S. have so far only considered,

in view of its especial urgency, Hong Kong aspect of strategic

implications of situation in China. They expect to hold further

meeting on 17th January to consider more general aspects, and further

conclusions will be telegraphed earliest possible.

6.

Governor of Hong Kong please hand copy to Paskin.

!

SECER.