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ANNEX.
TELEGRAM TO COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF, FAR EAST,
From:· War Office.
To:-
C.-in-C., Far East.
Repeated (C.-in-C., China,
IMMEDIATE.
(G.O.C., Hong Kong.
Following from Chiefs of Staff No.F.E.39.
Your 385/5 cipher 20/10.
Our policy regarding defence of Hong Kong remains unaltered. It must be regarded as outpost and held as long as possible.
2.
It has now become possible for U.S. A. and ourselves to take a more forward line in the Far East. U.S.A. have on their part recently displayed greater interest in this theatre and have despatched reinforcements to garrison of Phillipines. Our reinforcement of Hong Kong will show China that in spite of other commitments we intend to fight it out at Hong Kong and it will also have salutary effect on Japanese. Moreover the reinforcement will provide strong psychological stimulus to garrison and to colony and will assist in defence plan. Canada, by providing these troops, will be accepting wider commitment in imperial defence similar to that assumed by Australia in Malaya.
3.
In view of slender air resources now available in Far East or likely to become available in near future we cannot repeat not agree to reversal of existing policy of not stationing air forces in Hong Kong. This policy will be reviewed later in the light of your recommendations when our air resources have improved, Air Ministry communicating direct regarding aerodrome development, (Telegram
No. X 949 of 24/10 refers). In the meanwhile you should do anything you can out of local resources to improve the protection of Kai Tak aerodrome.
忄
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