CO537-4999 — Page 137

water, food and fucl.

With regard to the last of thoso I specifically asked while in the Colony that aviation fuel reserves should be chocked to allow for the increased Navy and Air Forco reinforcements. This is being looked in to. On Transport and ammunition roserves, the position is satisfactory. The water

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provision is reasonably satisfactory unlose the population continues rapidly to increase. Alternativo supplies, such as from condensation, should be considered.

24. My broad conclusion is that we have

justification for sober confidence in our ability to hold Hong Kong as long as our hands are froo elsowhore and we send the further reinforcements

which have boon carmarked for the Colony.

Mcanwhile every effort should be made to ensure that they adhere to the provisional time-table of departure

which has been drawn up.

25.

Summary of Matters Roquiring Action.

(a) A determined effort should bo mado

to speed up the process of rogistration above the estimated 250,000 a month (para. 8);

(b) thero should be no delay in getting the necessary American cquipment to onable registration to go ahead (para. 8);

(၁)

(a)

in order to expand Hong Kong's trado with countries other than China suitable advisers should bo appointed to the Governor's staff as quickly as possible (para. 9);

recruiting for the Hong Kong Volunteer Defence Force should bo vigorously pursued - (pera. 17);

an advisor, cxporicneed in Special Branch work should be sent out to advise on the improvement of that aspect of police. organisation - (para. 19);

the number of British officers in tho Police Force should be brought up to establishment quickly (para. 20);

(1)

(c)

there is scope for improvement of our counter-propaganda methods in tho Far East (para. 21);

(21)

aviation fuel reserves for the ro-inforced

Royal Navy and the R.A.F. components

/of