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Assuming in the case of Civil Servants that the number to be recommended to you as deserving British Citizenship is not more than 2% of the present establishment the number should not exceed about 2,500 persons.
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If the above individuals are deemed worthy of special consideration a reward for loyal service, I submit that a small dwindling number of cx. Pows should be equally deserving of similar treatment. Their loyalty never in doubt for in the time of crisis they came forward and fought valiantly for King and Country.
Was
The number of ex. Pows for whom I am making this plea for British Citizenship should not exceed 100 persons in my estimation. It is an insignificant addition to the number I have quoted above, and as time goes by the number will decrease.
I have lived in Hong Kong all my life, I fought here and was captured by the Japanese and I suffered at their hands, as did my colleagues. I understand better than anyone else their sense of acute disappointment, anguish, frustration and anxiety over the unresolved issues thrown up by 1907.
They are greatly worried about what will happen to them should they wish to leave Hong Kong permanently and are very unhappy with matters about untionality and citizenship, SC far disclosed, in that they have
no right of abcde anywhere outside Hong Kong.
ir, an you Cre the only person who can grant them Iitish Citizenship. I carnestly love that after an impar in appraisal of all ti eirsumstances
i the sorr ith men, who fought for King and Country, au suffered, ave found themselves in, you will be prepared to grant the. British Citizenship.
I have every confidence that you will consider favourably this issue which is of vital importance to these men, and upon receipt of a favourable reply, my Association will take steps to bring it so the notice of its members, most of whom I have known personally for more than 45 gers and am able to vouch for their bona-fides.
P
I am Sir,
Your Cedien! Servant.
LR/HAde BB/JVGK
I. I. Mikkleel.
(J.V.G. Mitchel?),
Chairman,
Hong Kong Prinsoners of War Association.