EXTRACT FROM C.O.S.( 91 MEETING HELD
TOP SECRET
20-6.4
147
on/28
3.
REINFORCEMENT OF HONG KONG
(TOP SECRET)
(Previous Reference: 0.0.s.(49) 85th Meeting Minute 2.)
THE COMMITTEE considered a telegramt from the Commanders-in-Chief, Far East, about publicity for the reinforcement of Hong Kong. General agreement was expressed with the views of the Commanders-in-Chief.
SIR WILLIAM ELLIOT said that it seemed likely that a Ministerial announcement would be made, possibly in the House of Commons, within the next two or three days which would state in general terms H.M. Government's intentions without giving any details of the forces which were being sent to Hong Kong. General Festing's appointment would probably be announced at the same time.
MR. PASKIN said that the Colonial Office were anxious to inform the Governor of Hong Kong as soon as the final decision had been taken about the announcement of General Festing's appointment in order that the Governor might have forewarning of the announcement.
In discussion, it was generally agreed that an announcement by H.M. Government on the lines foreshadowed by Sir William Elliot would be useful and would remove the present administrative embarrassments that were being caused by the need to maintain secrecy about the further reinforcements. It would be important to reply to the telegram from the Commanders-in-Chief as soon as it was known that the Government announcement was to be made and as soon as it was decided to announce General Festing's appointment.
THE COMMITTEE:-
instructed the Secretary to reply to the telegram from the Commanders-in-Chief
accordingly.
SEACOS 921
(125)
3.
TOP SECRET
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