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6214/15G/39.
55
CYPHER telegram from the Secretary of State for the Colonies
to the Governor of Hong Kong.
(Sent 9.0 p.m., 30th May, 1939).
No. 102 Secret.
Your telegram No. 156. Military Service Bill.
I am still considering general proposal in consultation with
other Departments, but I do not anticipate that there will
be any objection in principle.
I appreciate your desire to make early announcement
but I consider that it would be definitely undesirable and
embarrassing to Government and residents of Hong Kong to make
any such announcement unless Government is ready to follow
it after very short interval with enactment of legislation or
at least publication of bill. As regards legislation I feel
that it is essential to wait until I have had an opportunity
of examining revised draft Bill in light of legislation here, especially as certain difficulties arising here (e.g.
regarding persons of dual nationality, citizens of the
Dominions,
etc.) may be expected to arise equally in Hong Kong.
Will telegraph again as soon as possible after
receipt of revised draft bill. Do you anticipate that if
Bill is introduced there will be any local criticism of
significance?
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