CO537-5001 — Page 85

4. Following is text of Instructions to the Governor

of Hong Kong. Begins.

() Having regard to the threats to the security of

Hong Kong, H.M.G. have decided to appoint a prome-)

Commander to command all the land, air and local naval

defence forces in Hong Kong. He will be responsible

to the B.D.C.C. through the Commanders in Chief, Far

East.

(i) In this connection H.M.G. have had under consider-

a

ation the recommendation in the Governor's Secret

Despatch No. 15 of the 3rd May, 1949 that, in present

circumstances, the Hong Kong Government should continue

to take all possible measures of defence and security,

provided that they do not jeopardise the primary

functions of the Colony as an imperial trading base. () H.M.G. fully recognise that it is most important,

in the interests of the welfare of the population of

the Colony, and of internal security, that the commercial

life of Hong Kong should be maintained to the fullest

extent compatible with the developing situation.

Nevertheless, having regard to the threat to the security of the Colonyer from external aggression and/or

internal unrest, H.M.G. have decided that, in the event

Rinz

as to the necessity for The Execution of a difference of opinion between the Governor and the (Supreme) Commanden as to the taking of any mejer

of the Commandi, Hong Kong,

view/sh

*

security measure, the military view/should prevail, and het

you should be guided by these instructions.

(iv) a copy

of these instinctions

is benig

Communiated to the

Commander

Commander designate.

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