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APPENDIX 8.
REPORT ON SUPPLIES MISSION TO OKINAWA.
1. The Hong Kong Government Mission to Okinawa consisted of Mr. A. H. Hutchison, Mr. A. V. Skvorzov and Lt. Col. J. Forbes. The Mission left Kai Tak Airport at 08.00 hours on Thursday, 7th February, by U.S. Army plane and arrived at Okinawa at 14.30 hours local time. The Mission was accompanied by Cdr. Langevin, U.S.N., and Capt. Nuzum, U.S.A., both of whom are attached to the F.L.C. (Foreign Liquidation Commission), Shanghai.
2. On arrival at Okinawa, the Mission was introduced to Capt. W. E. McCain, U.S.N., Officer in charge of the Naval Supplies Depot, and his Officer, and spent the next two days in inspecting the stores available for disposal, and in studying the lists of Surplus Property Board Forms available. It is understood that all S.P.B. returns for the whole of the Pacific area are to be completed by the end of February.
3. Attached is a list of abstracts made from these Forms. It is to be under- stood that these are abstracts only and are not by any means a complete list of stores available. It should also be noted that the prices on the lists are stated to be new cost prices in the U.S.A. and that to this is to be added 25% for packing and freight to the Pacific, plus a delivery charge, the amount not yet fixed, for freight to Hong Kong from Okinawa,
In the case of used materials a deduction based on an approved formula will be made, but it is the opinion of the Mission that prices generally are high. It is also worthy of note that the trucks available in Okinawa are all army type trucks and are not very suitable for civil purposes.
Parts of Lots can be purchased, but cases cannot be broken.
4. The Mission left Okinawa at 10.00 hours on 10th February, again by U.S. Army plane, and arrived at Kiangwan, Shanghai, at 12.30 hours local time, and proceeded to the residence of Mr. H. Kadoorie. Cdr. Langevin and Capt. Nuzum remained in Okinawa.
5. On the 11th of February at 14.45 hours a meeting was held with Brig. General Johnson, U.S.A., who is in charge of the F.L.C., Shanghai, at which Mr. H. Kadoorie was also present.
Brig. General Johnson made it clear that materials required (for example, hutting and craft) but not available in Okinawa are available elsewhere, and that we should prepare our lists of requirements at the earliest possible moment on the assumption that all kinds of materials will be available.
He also indicated that Dodge Commercial Trucks can be made available. He stated further that the question of freight to Hong Kong, which was stated at Okinawa to be U.S.$15 per measurement ton, can be reconsidered. It was suggested that Hong Kong might be able to supply the necessary shipping. He also stated his intention to visit Hong Kong in about five days' time.
6. Difficulty was experienced in fixing transportation back to Hong Kong as the U.S. Army could not supply a plane. Through the efforts of the British Consul and Mr. Kadoorie arrangements were made with the R.A.F. who would take the party back on Friday, the 15th.
7. The thanks of the Mission are due to all Officers of the U.S. Navy and Army contacted during the journey for the courtesy and help, and also to Mr. H. Kadoorie for his untiring efforts to help the Mission and for accommodating the party in his house during the stay in Shanghai. Thanks are also due to Mr. Kadoorie's staff for typing the various lists and memoranda for the Mission, work which involved a considerable amount of over- time.
8. In conclusion, it must be emphasized that it is essential that complete lists of Hong Kong's requirements should be prepared at the earliest possible moment, and that in the event of purchases being made a representative must be sent to Okinawa to supervise selection and shipping of materials.
Shanghai, 14th February, 1946.
NOTE:-Stores List not attached to Interim Report.
(Signed) J. FORBES,
Lt. Col.
A. H. HUTCHISON,
""
A. V. SKVORZOV.
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