CO537-4998 — Page 39

18

OUTWARD TELEGRAM.

FROM THE SECRETARY OF STATE FOR THE COLONIES.

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94001/28/49

Cypher (0.T.P.)

TO HONG KONG (Sir A. Grantham)

Sent 30th April, 1949.

IMMEDIATE

No.437

12.15 hrs.

TOP SECRET

Addressed to Governor Hong Kong,

Repeated to Commissioner General, South East

1.

It has been decided that:-

Asia, No.235.

2.

(1) Hong Kong Garrison should be reinforced at once by one Infantry Battalion and Brigade Headquarters from United Kingdom;

(ii) preparations should be made for despatch of remainder of Brigade Group as soon as possible;

(iii) announcement of decision to reinforce

Garrison should be made in general terms during debate in House of Commons on situation in China next Thursday May 5th unless circumstances made earlier announcement necessary.

Terms of statement are now under consideration, and text will be telegraphed to you for your information as early as possible.

3.

Considerations stated in your telegram No.301

are being borne in mind,

Distributed to:-

R. 453

Secretary of State

P.8. to Minister of State

Sir T. Lloyd

Mr. Rees Williams

Sir C. Jeffries

Hr. Poynton

Er. Holding

Mr. Paskin Mr. Sidebotham

Mr. W.I.J. Wallace

Mr. Higham

Me. O.K. Morris

Mr. Seel

Mr. Trafford Smith

Mr. Morgan

Sir M. Logan

Mr. B.D. Edmonds