2600027
C.S. 20A
From the Governor, Hong Kong
To the Secretary of State for the Colonies
Repeated to:-
Repeated to:
My Reference.....
SAVINGRAM
Your Reference....
SECRET
No.
No.
No.
3.
(d)
(e)
(f)
(g)
2 -
the desirability of increasing local production, particularly of pigs.
the desirability of reinstituting some stock-piling of certain essential foodstuffs or maintaining minimum commercial stocks.
the need to review entirely such plans that already exist for rationing.
the remarkably patient attitude of the population at large. The population in general has demonstrated during the four days during which supplies of food from the mainland were not available, that they are prepared to accept shortages of basic foods and increased costs for a limited time, However, after a period it is likely that confidence would have been eroded and unless this government could have demonstrated during this period that they were taking effective measures to restore supplies, serious difficulties could have been expected.
The examination of all these points is being coordinated by a special committee (referred to at paragraph 2 of the attached paper). Priority is being given to item 2(c) above. As soon as the best alternative sources from which supplies can be assured have been de- termined, we shall consider the feasibility of imposing quotas on a similar pattern to the rice control scheme on certain foodstuffs imported by China; particularly pigs. There are of course obvious dangers in such a course of action and I shall consult you when all the facts have been obtained and assessed.
4.
In my telegram No. 851 I suggested a number of possible ways in which you might be able to assist. These are included with some other suggestions below:-
(a)
The provision of additional R. N. ships to protect Hong Kong fishermen and sea routes. I have not discussed this in any detail with the Commodore-in-charge and will now do so. RECEIVED IN known.
will report again when more detailed requirements are hown.
ARCHIVES ME
(b).
SECRET
Contingency planning with Australians, New Zealand and possibly other countries in the Far East to divert cold- storage vessels with meat or other cargoes of staple foods
/to..