SECRET
13
Local Forces
il.
From local funds Hong Kong maintains:
(a) a Police Force of about 11,000 all ranks. This is an
overwhelmingly Chinese in composition.
efficient Force
-
(b) A Volunteer Defence Force of about 900 strong of whom
approximately one-third are Europeans.
The reliability of these Forces could not be depended upon if
doubt arose about British intentions and ability to retain con-
trol of Hong Kong or if disorders occurred after a prolonged
period of subversion.
There is a steady expansion of the Police
Force but because of the political situation there is no possi-
bility of a local force dispensing with the backing of British тубора.
Unaccompanied Tours
The Commander-in-Chief, Far East,
22. CINCTE, with the support of the Governor, originated a
proposal that British units in Hong Kong (with the exception
of H.Q. Staff and the Forces on the Island) should be unaccom-
panied by their families. It was conceived against the back-
ground of an all-British Garrison. There would be fewer
hostages to fortune in the event of a Chinese take over and
the men would be able to discharge their duties without
anxiety for the safety of their families.
13
. On examination in the Ministry of Defence many objections
were raised. Units would need to be on nine month tours and
on this basis one would be relieved every six weeks: the effect
of this would be unsettling not only in Hong Kong but on the
families of the men. The Chief of the General Staff recently
visited Hong Kong and discussed the whole matter with the
Governor and the Commander British Forces, Hong Kong. Following
this visit both the Governor the CBF expressed their support for
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