HC Deb 22 June 1949 vol 466 cc208-10

The following Question stood upon the Order Paper in the name of Mr. EMRYS HUGHES.

48. To ask the Minister of Defence what was the purpose of his visit to Hong Kong; and what conclusions he has come to as to whether further military activity there is justifiable.

Mr. Alexander

Mr. Speaker, with your permission, I will make a statement in answer to Question No. 48. During a short tour in the early part of this month, when I visited Ceylon and Malaya, and also took the opportunity of making a general study of the whole position in the Far East, I stayed for three days in Hong Kong for discussions with the authorities, both civil and military, on the spot. As I indicated, on behalf of the Government, when in Hong Kong, our object is to maintain the friendliest possible relations with whatever may be the Government of China, at the same time taking into account our obligations to the people of the territory for which we are responsible. I found that the responsible authorities are facing their problems with confidence and, in the field of defence, all practicable steps are being taken to ensure the safety of Hong Kong.

The House will know that His Majesty's Government have already decided to reinforce the garrison in Hong Kong in view of the uncertain position in China and our responsibility for Hong Kong and the welfare of its people. His Majesty's Government have found it necessary to send some additional reinforcements and the necessary steps in the matter are being taken by all three Services.

His Majesty's Government have furthermore decided to appoint a Commander, British Forces, Hong Kong, to be in command of all the Army, Air and such Naval units as are assigned from time to time for the defence of Hong Kong. They have appointed to this post, Lieut.-General F. W. Festing, and he will also act as General Officer, Commanding-in-Chief, Land Forces. General Festing will leave very shortly and will take up his duties immediately upon his arrival in Hong Kong.

His Majesty's Government in the United Kingdom have kept the Governments of the other Commonwealth countries fully informed at all stages both of the policy being followed and the measures being taken to implement it. We have also been in touch with the Government of the United States of America.

Mr. Gammans

May I ask the right hon. Gentleman if the garrison at Hong Kong is being reinforced by taking away or reducing the garrison at Malaya? Would he also say if any approach has been made to the other Commonwealth countries suggesting they might share with us in the defence of Hong Kong, in view of the great importance of Hong Kong not only to this country, but to the whole of South East Asia?

Mr. Alexander

I do not wish to add details with regard to the Forces this afternoon for obvious reasons, but I would assure the hon. Member that the purpose of the Government is to bring the anti-bandit campaign in Malaya to a successful conclusion. In regard to the other matter, I have said that we have kept the Dominion Governments fully informed and I cannot add anything to that statement at present.

Mr. Gallacher

Instead of getting in touch with the American Government would it not have been very much better to get in touch with the liberation forces in China—a step that will have to be taken sooner or later, and the sooner the better?

Mr. Alexander

I should have thought that the House was aware that we have been endeavouring to get in touch with the liberation authorities, but with not much success.

Air-Commodore Harvey

While in Hong Kong, did the right hon. Gentleman have an opportunity of impressing upon the local government there the importance of speeding up the construction of the new airfield?

Mr. Alexander

I discussed that matter with the Governor, the local defence committee and the Commanderin-Chief, and everything is in hand.