OUTWARD TELEGRAM
FROM THE SECRETARY OF STATE FOR THE COLONIES
453140
94001/28
Ba Olelo
TO HONG KONG (Sir A. Grantham)
Sent 23rd June, 1949. 15.00 hrs.
PRIORITT
Wo.788
Addressed to Governor, Hong Kong. Repeated to Commissioner General, South Bast
Asia No.365.
My telegram No.776.
Following is text of etatement made by Minister of Defence in House of Commons on 22nd June, in reply to question asking for a statement on his recent visit to Hong Kong and the Fap Bast. Bogino.
furing a short tour in the early part of thía month, when I viettod Caylop and illelays, and also took the opportund by of making a general study of the whole position in the Fer last, I stayed for three days in Hong Kong for discussions with the authoritica, both civil and military, on the spot.
our
As I indioated, on behalf of the dorergent A when in Hong Kong, que objent lo to maintain the friendliest pobeible zolations with whatever may be the Goverment of Ching, at the same time taking into account que obligations to the people of the territory for which we are responsible, I found that the responsible authorities are facing their prabloze with confidenes and, in the field of defence, al2 pescticable steps are being taken to ensure the safety of
The House will know that His Majsely'a Government have already decided to re-iuforce the garrison in Hong Kong in vier of the undertain position in Ching and our responsibility For Hong Kong and the welfare of its people. Hie Majesty'a Gorarot have found it becousery to BODŽ some additional Pe-inforoepeuta and the necessary stape la the matter are being taken by all three Sarvioss,
Hão Majesty's Government have furthermore
dauided to appoint a Commander, British Forces, Beng Kong, So be in commend of all the Army, Alp and such Nayal units as ars 2901gned from time to time for the defence of Hong Kong. They bare appointed to thia post, Lieutenant General
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P.W. Best1ng, and he will also act as General Officer. Commands.ng-in-Chief, Land ForcBE. General Posting w113- losve very shortly end will take up bia duties jammediately upon bic arrival in Hong Kong.
His Majesty'e Government in the United Kingdow have kept the Governments of the other Cownorzealth countries
fully
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