CO537-5132 — Page 164

water, food and fucl.

With regard to the last of those I specifically asked while in the Colony that aviation fuel rosorvoo should be chocked to allow for the increased Navy and Air Forco reinforcements. This is being looked in to. On Transport and ammunition roservos, the position is satisfactory. The water orovision is reasonably satisfactory unless the population continues rapidly to increase. Alternativo supplies, such as from condensation, should be considered.

21 My broad conclusion is that wo have justification for sober confidence in our ability to hold Hong Kong as long as our hands are free olsowhore and wo send the further reinforcements

which have boon carmarked for the Colony.

Mcanwhile every effort should be made to ensure that they adhere to the provisional time-table of departuro

which has been drawn up.

25.

Summary of Matters Requiring Action.

(a) A dotormined effort should be made

to speed up the process of

(b)

rogistration above the estimated 250,000 a month (para. 8);

thero should be no delay in getting the necessary American cquipment to onable registration to go ahead (para. 8);

(c) in order to expand Hong Kong's

trado with countries other than China suitablo advisers should be appointed to the Governor's staff as quickly as possible - (para. 9);

(a)

(0)

recruiting for the Hong Kong Voluntour Dofonco Force should bo vigorously pursued (pora. 17);

an advisor, experienced in Special Branch work should be sent out to advise on the improvement of that aspect of police organisation (para. 19);

the number of British officers in the Police Force should be brought up to establishment quickly (para. 20);

(F)

(g)

there is scope for improvement of our counter-propaganda methods in the Far East (para. 21);

(b)

aviation fuel reservcs for the ro-inforced Royal Navy and the R.A.7. componente

/of