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that greater efficiency would be achieved would be achieved and the lines of command and authority would be clearer, if CBF were the undisputed Commander of Land Forces. In urging that the Chief of Staff Land Forces should be given the additional title of Deputy Land Forces Commander, and in giving the latter prominence to the almost virtual exclusion of the former, I believe that CBF has only created unnecessary difficulties for himself. If authority derives from him only and is transmitted on his cuthority by the Chief of Staff, the latter is in fact in a stronger position to relieve the Commander of detail than if he attempts to exert authority as a deputy.

20.

I am convinced that, if a resolute attempt is made to reorganise the mothods of doing business between the principal authorities in Hong Kong, as suggested in paragraph 17 above, CBF can find time to give all the attention that is required both to his duties as CBF and member of the Executive Council and also to command of the Land Forces. It has been done before in places where the problems were equally if not more complicated and the distances much greater. It is after all possible to reach any point in the Colony by helicopter in 15 minutes and the Secretariat, Police Headquarters and the combined HQ of CBF and Land Forces are all very close to each other. I made this clear. CBF, while still expressing his preference for his own proposal, accepts it and assures me that he will do all in his power to make it work efficiently and smoothly.

21. In my views I am supported by my Service Commanders.

Summary of Recommendations

22.

a.

Unless the situation deteriorates, there is no need to put any further reinforcements at other than normal notice;

(14)

b. It should be assumed that 2/7th Gurkha Rifles will require replacement and this should take place in late October;

(14)

C.

If another battalion is needed, it should come as planned from within Far East Command;

(14)

d. A contingency plan should be prepared to send a small brigade headquarters, two battalions and appropriate support by air from the UK, equipment to be provided from the stockpile in Singapore;

(14)

e.

If the further battalion, mentioned in c. above, is sent as reinforcement, consideration should be given to the withdrawal of Service families.

If this has not already been done, it should be effected in the event of d. above being implemented;

(14)

f. The authorities, civil and military, in Hong Kong should be invited to review their methods of working together;

(17)

g. The Chief Staff Officer to CBF Hong Kong should be a Colonel (Army or RM) and this should be implemented as soon as possible;

(18)

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