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point of view, a fact confirmed by complaints from subscribers. The Main Batteries in the Central exchange are in a very bad state and are, I understand, giving daily trouble now. We had a spare set of plates, and the Japanese, in charge of the exchange, instructed the Chinese mechanics to change them. replied, that only Mr. Farrell could do this work amongst the Company's staff. I was therefore indirectly approached but refused to return to work under any circumstances. This was the principal reason which prompted me to get out of Hong Kong whilst the going was good and proceed to Macau, where in the glimmering shadows of its neutrality a blind drops covering the wearisome succession of tension that exists in Hong Kong and, in its place, the glorious intrigue.
The majority of the Chinese staff who remained working only do so out of dire necessity. Apart from any sentiments they may have, the wages they receive are insufficient to cover the cost of their daily food requirements and conditions generally are bad.
Most houses on the Peak have been damaged and subsequently looted by chinese of everything removeable. Even doors and window- frames have been taken out to be used as firewood. The Company's property on the Peak was hit by two shells but Peak Exchange remains intact. I cannot say if the Japanese are still guarding it against looters now. Many telephones (instruments) have been stolen. Every member of the staff lost all his personal effects and clothing.
Mr. J. P. Sherry had a last talk with me prior to being marched off to the Military Internment Camp and he said: "If you remain free, help us if you can and watch and report if you are able?" Earlier on, I was handed certain financial documents by Mr. Sherry, who asked me to preserve them if I could. These documents are in safe keeping.
I do not propose to indicate the steps that should be taken to restore essential services in Hong Kong at the time we take over but I assure you that I have carefully deliberated on the matter from all angles. Further, you will readily appreciate that it is not possible for me at this stage to gauge governments' view appertaining to our desire to reestablish telephone service on demand at the earliest possible moment after we re-occupy the Colony of Hong Kong, if the restoration depends on the receiving of various quantities of materials. I have certain proposals to make relative to essential materials and topls of which, due to various causes, we are deficient in and which I respectfully submit might be despatched to India and be re-directed to the Colony after we take over. The Tools to be sent by air transport if available at the time. In any case, much depends on how suggestions of this nature will effect the war effort, and whether government can interest themselves in the matters outlined by me amid the multiplicity of their other cares.
I have received news by radio whilst in Hong Kong that already much thought was being given to a reconstruction programme,
to
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