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FROM
CYPHER TELEGRAM.
O.A.GA
HONG KONG
10.05 hrs.
D. 2nd November, 1940, R. 2nd
#
IMMEDIATE.
Ko. 700.
440
My telegram No. 677 Secret paragraph 3.
Arrangements have been made for some 50 persons to leave for Australia 8th November their passages being paid from public funds. There are reasons to believe that several of these persons intend to defy orders to leave which have been served on them and I am faced with the prospect of ordering the use of force to compel them to leave or alternatively with the problem of possible imprisonment in a female prison containing little accommodation suitable for Europeans.
or
22
Regarding your reply to my secret telegrams Nos. 672 and 690 (corrupt group) I should prefer, authorization of proclamation proposed
at least containing an assurance of adequate legal powers, I propose to authorize the use of such force as is necessary unless you consider this is so undesirable as to justify reconsideration by H.M.G. of original compulsory basis for evacuation. I must point out that if such consideration involved in the interest of relaxation or revocation of compulsory nature of evacuation order a public demand difficult to resist for evacuation of the Colony of those people's permits for evacuation against their wishes might be anticipated, thus weakening the authority of the Government. In this connection I understand I shall shortly receive petition signed by 147 evacuees in Australia praying for early permission to return to the Colony.
3 E
Total number of persons either under orders to leave or about to be served with such orders is in the nature of ?200. It is now evident that many of these are recalcitrants who evede (corrupt group) evacuation scheme and whose presence in the Colony made it necessary to persevere rigidly with policy of compulsory evacuation during October in order to allay justifiable grievance felt by those who had left unwillingly (corrupt group) instructions,
4. Many of these evacuees raised vahement objections to compulsory evacuation during public sessions of exemption Committee and it is probable that cases of unqualified defiance of orders to leave are likely to be repeated when further passages become available (corrupt group) 50 persons not included in first paragraph above.
5.
I favour firm action including use of force if necessary but must be assured of legal position and that H.M.G. are prepared to maintain necessity of original order.
6 passages,
Matter is pressing as it is necessary to confirm booking of
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