FO371-46259 — Page 172

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X

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150

DIR ARCHIB..LD NYE recalled that the Chiefs of Staff had previously agreed that, though it was desirable for British troops to be sent to Hong Kong rather than Indian troops, it

was not essential.

LORD PORTAL suggested, in the light of the discussion, that a telogram should now be sent to C. -in-C. Hong Kong telling him that while the Chiefs of Staff appreciated the difficulties with regard to the use of Indian troops there was no other alternative, and that he would have to accept the Indian infantry brigade and make use of it as best he could and that meanwhile the Colonial Office were being asked to expedite the reinforcements for the European police.

(22)

THE COMMITTEE instructed the Secretary:- to draft and circulate for their

approval a telegram to C.-in-C. Hong Kong on the lines of X above. (b) to inform the Colonial Office of the

difficulties with which they were faced with regard to the reinforcement of Hong Kong, and to request them to cxpedite the despatch of the European police instructors to the Colony.

x Annex V.

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