CO129-591-12 Military Administration- Civil affairs- directives to force commander and senior officials 24-2-1945 - 13-9-1945 — Page 136

172

The functions of the military administration are two-fold:

(a) short-term. The maintenance of law and order and the prevention of disease and unrest, The implementation of this will required supplies of food, clothing, medical goods, etc., and of equipment for the maintenance or restoration of essential services; these will be shipped as soon as possible.

(b) Long-tern, The restoration of the framework of the administration of the Colony with a view to the establishment of stable civil government, aand the rehabilitation of the social and economio life of the Colony with a view to its future well- being and prosperity.

9. So long as your command is not included in any superior

you kill be directly responsible be.

command

10.

As, however, the liberation of Hong Kong involves the immediate resumption of His Majesty's Government's responsibility for the good government of the Colony, and the well being of its inhabitants, and as this will call for administrative action in

any mattere which have no military significance and are primarily the responsibility of the Secretary of State for the Colonies it has been decided that the C.C.A.0. will have a dual responsibility,

to you on all matters in which the Admiralty) has an interest

War Off loo)

and to the Secretary of State for the Colonies with regard to other matters which are his responsibility, In these matters you should afford the 0.0.A.0. all facilities compatible with military considerations.

In regard to such matters the C.C.A.0. will have the right of direct communication with the Colonial Office, but all such communications should pass through you for transmission to the Colonial Office through the Admiralty). You will however,

Manizalic

be free to make such comment on such communications as military considerations appear to you to warrant,

12.

It is the policy of His Majesty's Government that the responsibility for the administration of Hong Kong should be transferred as soon as possible to the Secretary of State for the Colonies, It will be for you to recommend when military considerations permit the transfer.