CO537-5001 — Page 137

which would prejudice the position of Hong Kong as an imperial

trading base, which is the primary justification for the

retention of Hong Kong as a British Colony. On the other

hand if the execution of certain of these measures is

unduly delayed there is a serious risk that either internal

security or the defence of the Colony against a possible

external attack may be prejudiced.

It is therefore a matter of timing on which it is not

possible for valid conclusions to be reached in London.

The whole matter should therefore be kept constantly under

review by the Local Defence Committee.

Having regard however to the fact that the only

justification for the very exceptional measures which have

already been taken, or are still under consideration, for

the reinforcement to the Colony is the existence of a very serious threat to the life of the Colony, either from sabotage within or from attack from without, or both,

The

he only guidance which it is possible for H.M.G. to give

in present circumstances is that, in the event of a

difference of opinion between the military and civil auth-

orities as to the timing of any major security measure,

military view should prevail".

the

It has occurred to us that since what may be involved

here is an issue between the Governor and the Commanders-in-

Chief, it might be useful to have a short meeting with

General Ritchie and Air-Marshal Lloyd before the latter returns to Singapore on (I think) Wednesday.

As regards the question (policy towards Communists in Hong Kong) raised in para. 1 of the memorandum, I see

no reason to change the recommendation made in the last

paragraph

sentence of that menon

I should be glad to have

your views on these matters as soon as possible, and

especially the view of the Ministry of Defence as to the

suggestion as to a meeting with Ritchie and Lloyd.

I am sending a copy of this letter to

to (1) beigadier Price, Ministry of Defence.

to (2) . Dening, Foreign Office.