CO537-4999 — Page 6

defend the Colony against Chinese Communist aggression even if Communist China declares war on Great Britain."

11. 5.49.

82. Cos(49) 64th king Item 8

4/5/49

83 Draft Tele COS. to Cinl FE

10/5/69

8x depel muriates

1015449

85 JIC (44)44

11/5/49

of JIC (dep. Dis) 47th by Item 1

1/5149.

87 FE (0) (49) 27

11/5/49.

55 min of Defence SFACOS 403

10/5/4-9.

59 min of Defence COPSEA 636 (baky on 94000/3)

-12/5/49.

11/5/49.

go Reuter Press report

I have reviewed these papers from No.43 and find no occasion for C.0. action up to No. 80 inclusive: papers to that point may be put by.

2. No. 81: this despatch without its enclosures has been circulated to the Far Eastern (official) Committee (No.87): It would be useful for a note to be placed on the file as to what use that Committee intends to make of this despatch, and also of the Hong Kong despatch No.16 of 3rd May, Annex 2 of No. 87. Meanwhile I should like to suggest that No.81 and both its enclosures should also be sent for the information of the Chiefs of Staff in connection with the further full appreciation which they are still to make of the Defence of Hong Kong in accordance with conclusion (3) of the Cabinet Minutes of 5th May - No. 78.

13.