CO537-4999 — Page 102

The House will know that His Majesty's

Government have already decided to re-inforce

the garrison in Hong Kong in view of the

uncertain position in China and our

responsibility for Hong Kong and the welfare

of its people. His Majesty's Government.

have found it necessary to send some

additional re-inforcements and the necessary

steps in the matter are being taken by all

three Services,

H.M. Government have furthermore decided

to appoint a Commander, British Force8,

Hong Kong, to be in command of all the Army,

Air and such Naval units as are assigned from

time to time for the defence of Hong Kong.

They have appointed to this post, Lieutenant

General F.W. Festing, and he will also act

as General Officer, Commanding-in-Chief, Land

Forces. General Festing will leave very

shortly and will take up his duties

immediately upon his arrival in Hong Kong.

H.M. Government in the United Kingdom

have kept the Governments of the other

Commonwealth countries fully informed at all

stages both of the policy being followed and

the measures being taken to implement it.

We have also been in touch with the Government

of the United States of America.