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En clair]
Mr. Kelly
No.1353.
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KW49/4.
DEPART ENTAL NO.3.
FROM BERNE TO FOREIGN OFFICE
18th April, 1942.
D. 2.30 p.m. 18th April, 1942. R. Midnight 18th April, 1942.
[ ] [ ] [ ]
My telegram No.1329.
F2958/888/10.
Swiss Chargé d'Affaires reports that British Residents Association would like guidance on following points:
Large number of Corporations, in particular those dealing with manufacturing navigation and public services and affiliated business concerns have been taken over by Japanese organisations. A large part of the British employees have been retained but majority of these will probably lose their position eventually. Banks and insurance companies have been liquidated. Many commercial enterprises are still working without any special surveillance; scope of their activities is diminishing through force of circumstances and by diminution of stocks. It is possible that these enterprises may also be liquidated at a future date.
Association wish to know whether in the opinion of His Majesty's Government responsible representatives of these firms should remain on the spot in order to safeguard British economic interests in general and capital in particular. Association proposes that His Majesty's Government should refer to the China Association in London for advice concerning Corporations represented by it. Missionaries ask for similar advice from Parent houses.
A.P.C.
Hong Kong Bank Butterfields and Jardines think that a reduced staff should remain in Shanghai as long as the possibility of doing useful work remains as at present. which is in process of being completely expropriated do not need to leave any staff. Large number of British families established in China for several generations and composed mostly of Eurasians may prefer to stay in Shanghai. These wish to know whether His Majesty's Government opposes this plan and whether payment could still be made to then as long as they are at present uninterned.
Your reply my telegram under reference will naturally influence all these questions.
2342
MIN
BISTRY
separati minulé
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