CO129-587-14 Measures for maintenance of law and order 18-7-1940 - 28-9-1940 — Page 5

Nox SECRET.

F.

4- SEP 1940

GOVERNMENT HOUSE,

HONG KONG.

18th July, 1940.

5

My Lord,

7/53505/10

With reference to my secret telegram No.383 of

5th July, 1940, regarding the suspected presence in Hong

Kong of persons who would be ready to take advantage of

any commotion or unrest from within or without to commit

unlawful acts and create disturbances, I have the honour

to inform Your Lordship that with the advice of

Executive Council I have issued a proclamation in the

accompanying form declaring the Colony subject to the

provisions of Part II of the Peace Preservation Ordinance,

1886, which contains special powers for the dispersion

of riotous assemblies, for search and arrest, against

combination to stop trade and for flogging in certain

cases.

2.

I have also authorised with the consent of

Executive Council the raising of the total strength of

the Police Reserve from 450 to 1,000 men immediately

and given the Commissioner of Police discretion to raise

the total strength of this force to 1,500 should the

situation so require.

3.

I trust that these measures, which are

considered fully justified in the present situation in

this part of the world, will have your approval.

}

I have the honour to be,

THE RIGHT HONOURABLE

LORD LLOYD OF DOLOBRAN,

&C • 1

&C.;

ác.

My Lord,

Your Lordship's most obedient, humble servant,

N.L. Sunt

Officer Administering the Government.

2.