FO371-46255 — Page 185

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Extact from COS (45) 226 Mig. 17. 9. 45

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20. C.-in-C. HONG KONG INTER SERVICE STAFF

J.P. (45) 237 (Final)

9.45.

FIL98 [WG

(Previous Reference: C.0.5.(45) 214th Mtg, Min. 10)

THE COMMITTEE considered a report by the Joint Planning Staff on the size and composition of the Inter Service staffs required by Admiral Harcourt.

SIR ANDREW CUNNINGHAM said that he agreed that General Festing's administrative staff should perform the administrative' work in Hong Kong for the C.-in-C. Hong Kong, but he did not think that this was sufficiently clearly stated in the draft telegram attached to the Joint Planning Staff report. He also suggestod that the C.-in-C. Hong Kong should be given a chief of staff of the rank of air Commodore, as he considered that a staff officer of the rank of Group Captain would not be sufficiently senior in view of the

responsibilities that the appointment would involve. Sir Andrew Cunningham then circulated a draft telegram covering his suggestions.

THE COMMITTEE agreed:

(૧ that an R...F. officer of the rank of Air Commodore

should be made chief of staff to the C.-in-C. Hong Kong;

(b) to the terms of the draft telegram circulated by

Sir Andrew Cunningham, and instructed the Secretary to arrange for its despatch.

x Sent as OZ. 5735

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