BRITAIN'S ATTITUDE FIRM

Chronicle (Levin), 10 June 1949, Page 5

BRITAIN'S ATTITUDE FIRM

Jefcnce Minister's Message On Leaving Hong Kong Rsceived Friday, 9.10 a.m. HONG KuNG, June 9. The British Defcnce- Minister, Jr. A. V. Alexander, leit by air for iingapore tonight 011 his return to Britain following a three-day examination of Hong Kong s defences. With the service chiefs who' accompanied him, he consu ted with iocal sarvice and pohce officials, .and inspected miiitary mstailations. In a measa'ge to Admiral Sir Patrick Brind, Commander-in-Chief of the Far Eastern station, Mr. Alexander said: '"Substantiai reinfcrcements are moving ' towards Hong Kong, which, together with the experienced forces a.ready under your command, will provide tangible evidence that His Majesty's Government are resolute in their attitude towards the territory and scaunch 111 pursuit of their announeed policy of combining firmness with a sincere desire to establish and maintain . neighbourly relations with the people of China." Although the Minister dec'ined to discuss ihe conclusions reached, there is reason to believe that he was agreeably impressed with conditions in the colony. The visit is regarded as having raised the morale among the British population, although the English language newspapers are critical that he did not reveal more about the British Gevernment's intentions towards Hong Kong. Mr. Alexander is expected to make a statement in the House of Commons on the results of his inspection.