CO_968_583_DEFENCE_OF_HONG_KONG_1957_1959 — Page 102

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Reference: CØS.1597/9/9/58.

MINISTRY OF DEFENCE,

STOREY'S GATE,

LONDON, S.W.I.

9th September, 1958.

Behvid (200)

(271)

In your letter FED.528/400/01.TS of the 20th August, 1958, you asked whether the time had not come to examine the directive to the Commander, British Forces Hong Kong, with a view to revision.

2.. As you know, the level of forces in the Colony has now been finally settled at eight major units. I would point out, however, that two of these units are regiments of artillery, which are unlikely to have any major effect on the evacuation plans, and two units are only temporary.

3. I feel that with these forces the doubt felt by the Commander as to his ability to cover the evacuation of families and loyal civilians is understandable, and that for this very reason paragraph 4(c) of the directive,

you are querying, is best left broad so that the Commander will be free to do the best he can. I consider, therefore, that the directive does not at present need revisión.

1974/6 jul which

(Hagged)

A.J. Fairclough, Esq.,

Colonial Office.

Demand

ни Ju Secretary

Chiefs of Staff Committee

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