CO129-604-6 Immigration- control over entry from China 1-1-1947 - 4-1-1950 — Page 157

11. If this proposal can be implemented I would propose at the same time to make an urgent appeal for volunteers to come forward and join the Defence Force. having been heartened by a blunt statement of policy,

The public, would find in the Defence Force an outlet for their understandable personal anxiety: I should confidently expect a very good response to such an appeal, in such circumstances, and the moral effect of recent

launched Communist successes would thus have been turned to our own ends.

12. The Communist attack on His Majesty's ships in the Yangtze has caused grave alarm here. that neither British prestige nor British military strength

It is being said is any longer adequate to safeguard British interests in the Far East. If the interests of Hong Kong only were to be considered then I should advocate an official statement by the appropriate Minister of the Crown, to the effect that the Navy, having been ill-requited ment of peaceful methods on their lawful occasions, have

for their employ- now been ordered to reply without any hesitation to provocation.

I have the honour to be,

Sir,

Your most obedient, humble servant,

(Signed) A.G. GRANTHAM

GOVERNOR

The Right Honourable A. Creuch Jones, M.P.

cc:

H.E. the General Officer Commanding, H.Q. Land Forces, Hong Kong.

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