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INWARD TELEGRAM.

TO THE SECRETARY OF STATE FOR THE COLONIES.

Cypher (0.T.P.)

GOPY FOR REC

TRATION

FROM FEDERATION OF MALAYA (81r H. Gurney)

EMERGENCY

R. 2nd

D, 2nd September, 1949.

14.40 hrs

2019

No.1007 TOP SECRET.

Addressed to 8. of 8,

Repeated to Commissioner General, South East

*

Asia, No.283,

"Governor Hong Kong, No.206..

(162)

(161) 11

Your telegram No.978.

I had discussed with General Harding proposals in SEACOS No.959 and informed him that while I felt bound to oppose removal of any troops from Malaya at this stage I should see less objection to move of one infantry battalion of Guards Brigade and later remainder of Guards Brigade Group to Hong Kong then of other units.

2.

I also informed him that in my view moral effect of removing one battalion would be more serious than actual effect on anti-bandit operations but I could not say that it would result in a serious deterioration of political situation in Malaya. I greatly hope that these moves will not become necessary particularly during intensive efforts of the next three months but I recognise that there may be no alternative.

3*

Issue of statement in my telegram No.981 is in no way affected. This must not be delayed any longer.

Distributed to:-

R. 453

Secretary of State

P.S. to Minloter of State

Sir T. Lloyd

Mr. Rees Williams

Sir C. Jeffries

Sir H. Poynton

Mr. Holding

Mr. Paskin

Mr. Seel

Mr. Trafford Smith

Mr. Sidebotham

Mr. Higham Mr. 0.H. Morris Col. Liesching.

i

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