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United Nations. The first reactions from the Commonwealth to this showed that we should have some difficulty in persuading some of the countries concerned about this. The appointment of a Military Governor might make it even more difficult. In these circumstances, it seemed that the only solution would be the appointment of a senior officer as Commander of all three Services in Hong Kong who would be responsible to the British Defence Co-ordination Committee through the Commanders- in-Chief, Far East, and who would have sufficient influence with the Governor to minimise the risk of any serious clash between trading and defence interests. It would be inadvisable to give him "overriding powers" but the Governor might be given private instructions on the lines of the Colonial Office suggestion, that when there was any difference of opinion about major security measures, the military view should prevail. After hearing all the discussions, he had come to the conclusion that no good purpose would be served by discussing this problem with the Governor of Hong Kong. The decision would have to be taken in Whitehall, and it was clear that it ought to be taken as soon as possible, He therefore intended to see the Prime Minister with the Colonial Secretary later on that afternoon.
THE STAFF CONFERENCE:-
Invited Air Marshal Elliot to prepare
an aide memoiret in accordance with the discussion for the use of the Minister of Defence at the meeting with the Prime Minister and Colonial Secretary.
Ministry of Defence, S.W.1.
1st June, 1949.
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