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No.
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AIDE MEMOIRE
EMERGENCY EVACUATION OF HONG KONG
542
The feasibility of planning for an evacuation of Hong Kong in the event of a sudden enforced withdrawal has been closely studied in London in accordance with a requirement laid down by Ministers that knowledge of the preparation of such plans should be confined in Hong Kong to the Governor and the Commander British Forces.
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Two key considerations were noted:
(i) The need for absolute secrecy would prevent any detailed planning
and prior preparation "on the ground".
(ii) Once evacuation was ordered, the internal security situation would
deteriorate very rapidly and plans would have to be implemented in a very short time (probably no more then 48 hours and very possibly much less).
In these circumstances it was concluded that only outline plans could be prepared; that, in the absence of detailed arrangements and prior preparation, any outline plan for a large-scale evacuation could not be effectively implemented in the time-scale and conditions of enforced withdrawal; and that a very small- scale evacuation of vulnerable and "sensitive" people, with their dependants, might be possible.
4. In the light of these conclusions, it has been decided that all action to plan for an evacuation should be suspended for the time being. In a rapidly ` deteriorating situ tion in which it became evident tht it would not be possible to hold out for very long, all endeavours should be concentrated on mounting a "orash" opeation to effect the evacuation of as many vulnerable and "sensitive" persons as possible. At that stage American and/or Australian co-operation would be sought and transport mobilised in conjunction with airlines and shipping companies. Such an operation would have to be hastily improvised but in the circumstances in which it wou d be mounted there would be few (if any) inhibitions. about making overtly the most effective arrangements we could.
5. Consideration has also been given to what might be said publicly about plans for the evacuation of Hong Kong, should this question be raised openly (as it has been, for example, in the House of Lords). The dilemma is that if it is said there are no plans this could lead to a public outcry in the United Kingdom; while to avoid a direct answer in a manner that implies there might be such plans (e.g. by saying that these are matters that are not disclosed) could seriously impair confidence in Hong Kong. It has been decided that we should continue to try to avoid a direct answer, but that, if necessary it should be flatly stated that H.M.G. is not planning to evacuate Hong Kong, pointing to the fact that there are some 2 million citizens of the UK, and Colonies in Hong Kong to whom H.M.G's responsibilities extend.
6. copy of this Aide Memoire has been sent to the Governor of Hong Kong and (through the Governor) to the Commander British Forces. Copies have been supplied
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