Copy No. 11
 
      
OPTEL No. 48
 
      HONG KONG.
 
      
 
 
Situation up to 5 p.m. 23rd December. During previous 24 hours 
      enemy kept up incessant attacks and local raids accompanied by 
      intensive bombardments by artillery mortars and dive bombers.
 
      
 
 
Some ground on MOUNT CAMERON lost during night was recaptured 
      early in morning by party Royal Marines.
 
      In afternoon Middlesex at LEIGHTON HILL beat off determined attack.
 
      
 
 
Position generally unchanged. Troops very tired. Enemy in 
      possession of Indian Military hospital but reported behaving 
      well towards wounded. Water position in city and peak most precarious 
      as principal reservoirs are in enemy hands, and pipe lines from 
      others damaged. Strenuous efforts being made to improve position 
      food supplies greatly reduced by enemy action.
 
      
 
 
Health civilian population remarkably good and conduct admirable.
 
      Civil defence services run very well.
 
      Civilian casualties about 4,000 of whom possibly 1,000 killed.