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12/5.

(os (Jack) Prily

TOP SECRET CYPHER TELEGRAMLOS 5PM looking

WARNING The text of this message must be thoroughly paraphrased if it is to be published or otherwise communicated to persons outside the British or U.S. Government Service. If re-transmitted unparaphrased, the originator must mark it to be sent in "O.T.P.” (One-Time Pad).

From: G.H.Q. Far East Land Forces

To : Ministry of Defence, London

SEACOS 903

From FEDSEC

IZ 1379 TOO 101000GH (100330A)

TOR 112011A

10th May, 1949

For Chiefs of Staff from Commanders in Chief.

We are seriously disturbed at the mis-interpretation being placed in Hong Kong on the current statement defining the practicability of defending Hong Kong in war as given in paragraph 4(b) of Section 17 of ŎDC(47) 10 issued with amendment list No 1 dated 26th January 1949.

2.

This statement which is substantially the same as that given in paragraph 6(a) of your appreciation forwarded to the Governor of Hong Kong in Colonial Office Despatch No. 4 dated 13th January 1949 is being widely taken by Civil authorities there to mean that the Garrison will be withdrawn at the first sign of serious trouble. In consequence the importance of defence measures is being minimised in many quarters and defence preparations re- tarded.

3.

We realise that this mis-interpretation would not have arisen if Civilian morale in Hong Kong were good. Unfortunately there is widespread lack of confidence in our determination to hold Hong Kong and we think it imperative to take every possible step to make our intentions clear.

4.

The British Defence Co-ordination Committee is proposing to the Governor of Hong Kong an amendment to Section 17 of ODC (47) 10 with the object of substituting for the existing paragraph 4(b) the following "It is considered that Hong Kong could be held except against a Power armed to modern Western standards which is able to bring to bear against the Colony any one of the following (a) Effective air attack sufficiently heavy to render of itself the defence of the Colony impracticable. (b) A full-scale land attack combined with local command of the air. (c) Naval or air forces sufficient to sever sea communications"

5. We are confident that this proposed amendment repre- sents your views and we strongly recommend that you amend paragraph 6(a) of the appreciation referred to in paragraph 2 above and request the Colonial Office to inform the Governor of Hong Kong accordingly. Too 101000GH

CIRCULATION D.C.O.R.

Foreign Office

War Registry, Admiralty

Message Control, War Office Registry Telegrams, Air Ministry Chief of Combined Ops Staff

S. of S for Colonies Colonel Leisching