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Long Term Arrangement

4. We consider that under normal conditions, policy control of Hong Kong should be cxercised by the Chicfs of Staff direct. On questions relating to one Service only, Commanders in Hong Kong should deal with their own Service Ministries.

In normal times, we visualise Hong Kong as likely to be the headquarters of the Commander-in-Chief, China Station and of the Commander, Dritish Troops.

Short Term Arrangement

5.

We have considered whether somo interim arrangemont is desirable before the long term command set-up is brought into force.

6.

We have considered three possible arrangements: -

(a) Commander-in-Chief, British Pacific Fleet.

(b) Supreme Allied Commander, South East Asia.

(c) Chiefs of Staff.

C.-in-C., British Pacific Fleet. Although the headquarters of the British Pacific Fleet is likely to make considerable use of Hong Kong during the next few months, we consider that the Commander-in-Chief will be fully engaged in prob ms connected with the occupation of Japan and his many operational responsibilities throughout the Pacific area. It seems undesirable, therefore, that he should be given this local but considerable a ditional responsibility.

7.

There are certain disadvantages in making S.4.C.S.B.A. responsible for Hong Kong:-

S.L.C.S.E

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(a) Geographically the colony will form a small British enclave separate from the rest of S.A.C.S.E.A'c command. Operations involving Hong Kong will be 'connected with the United States and China theatres rather than with South East Asia Command.

(b) In the early stages many political problems

are likely to arise which will require solution on a high level and which in any case will have to be referred to London. S.A.C.S.E.A's H.Q. would, therefore, form only an additional link in the chain.

(c) S.A.C.S.E.4's H.Q. contains an American

element. This may complicate S.A.C.S.E.A's position as a Supreme Commander when dealing with matters of British policy regarding Hong Kong.

(a) Commander-in-Chief, British Pacific Fleet,

deals direct with the Admiralty and the Chiefs of Staff, and may require to

Ust lich his Headquarters at Hong Kong.

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