ANNEX II
INSTRUCTIONS TO THE GOVERNOR OF HONG KONG
(Conveyed by the Minister of Defence on behalf of the
Secretary of State for the Colonies
Having regard to the threat to the security of Hong Kong,
His Majesty's Government have decided to appoint a Commander to command all the Land, Air and Local Naval defence forces in Hong Kong. He will be responsible to the British Defence Co-ordination Committee through the Commanders-in-Chief, Far East.
2.
In this connection His Majesty's Government have had under consideration the recommendations in your secret signal No. 15 of 3rd May, 1949, that in present circumstances the Hong Kong Government should continue to take all possible measures of defence and security, provided they do not jeopardise the primary function of the Colony cs a trading base.
3. His Majesty's Government fully recognise that it is most important in the interests of the welfare of the population of the Colony and of internal security that the commercial life of Hong Kong should be maintained to the fullest extent compatible with the devloping situation. Nevertheless, having regard to the threat to the security of the Colony from external e ression and/or internal unrest His Majesty's Government have decided that, in the event of any differences in opinion as to the necessity for, or execution of, any
should security measures, the views of the Commander, Hong Kong, prevail provided that, except in cases of extreme urgency, if the difference of opinion concerns a matter of great importance to the welfare of the Colony you shall have the right to refer the matter to the Secretary of State for the Colonies and shall be guided by his decision. In the event of your appealing to the Secretary of State you should immediately inform the British Defence Co-ordination Committee.
4.
A copy of these instructions has been communicated to the Commander designate.
9th June, 1949
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