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No.
EMERGENCY EVACUTION OF HONG KONG
51/2
The feasibility of planning for an evacuation of Hong Kong
in the event of a sudden anforced withdrawel has been closely
studied in London in secordance 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 Foreen.
2.
3.
Two key considerations were noted
(1) The need for absolute secrecy would prevent any detailed
planning and prior preparation "on the ground".
(11) Once evacuation was ordered, the internal security
situstion would deteriorate very rapidly and plans would
have to be implemented in a very short time (probably
no more than 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 cutline plan for a large-
Bonle ovaqustion could not be effectively implemented in the
tise-sonle and conditions of enforced withdrawal; and that a
very small-scale evacurtion of vulnerable and "senaitive" people,
with their dependants, pight be possible.
1. 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 sitation in which it
became evident that it would not be possible to hold out for very
leng, all endeavours should be concentrated on mounting a "crash"
operation to effect the evacuation of as many vulnerable and
"Bensitive" persons as possible. At that stage American and/or
Australian co-operation would be sought and transport mobilised
/ in conjunction ...
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