APPENDIX
PLANS FOR THE DEFENCE OF HONG KONG IN THE PRESENT EMERGENCY
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As a result of the situation in China the Commanders- in-Chief, Far East have submitted their appreciation the probable effect on Hong Kong and the forces required to meet an emergency.
2. The Colonial Office, in consultation with the Governor of Hong Kong, have examined this appreciation with which they are not altogether in agreement, and have submitted their views in a memorandum to the Chiefs of Staff.
3. We compare at Annexure the views expressed by the Commanders-in-Chief, Far East, with those submitted by the Colonial Office and give our detailed comments.
Deductions
4.
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From our examination at Annexure we deduce:
(a) The threat, as envisaged by the Commanders-
in-Chief, Far East, may materialise before the third quarter of 1949.
(10)
The most immediate threat to the Colony is a vast influx of refugees.
(c) The repercussion of such an influx on the
internal security and administrative commit- ments in Hong Kong would be so serious that it must be prevented.
(a) The military authorities must be prepared to
concentrate at present on aiding the Civil Government in meeting the immediate refugee threat, since the possibility of external aggression is more remote.
(e) The Civil authorities must take all possible
steps to counter the refugee problem including the erection of wire, making arrangements for food rationing and registration, establishing a refugee organisation and expanding the existing Hong Kong Police Force and Volunteer Defence Force. The raising of a separate Auxiliary Police Force is considered impracticable.
SEACOS 872 dated 15 December 1948 -39 on 940001/28/48 SEACOS 874 dated 23 December 1948 46mm 940001/28/48 Ø C.O.S.(49) 12
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