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a
CONFIDENTIAL.
IN
WARNING. This is an unparaphrased version of a secret cypher or confidential code message, and the text must first be paraphrased* if it is essential to communi- cate it to persons outside British or Allied Government Services.
(NOTE: Messages Shown as having been sent in a One-Time Pad (“O.T.P.") are excepted
from this rule.)
F.8791
23 OCT 1945
Far Easter: sepi
161354/October
Date 16.10.45. Time 2235
From C.in C. Hong Kong
CCM (Naval) Gen. (con.)
Addressed Admiralty.
Repeated S.A.C.S.E.A. C. in C. B.P.F.
IMMEDIATH
For Chiefs of staff. I feel you should know the serious coal position at Hong Kong. With no additional supplies yet in sight stocks will last two weeks only with care. Most anxious to avoid breakdown of power stations and lighting installations for lack of fuel since power and light so essential to process rehabilitation.
2.
Have sent personal messages to General MacArthur and to S.A.C.S.. A. asking if possible obtain coal from Japan and S...A. C. respectively.
3.
Through Embassy Chungking am discussing with T.V. Soong possibility obtaining coal in British ships from Chingwantao on a sharing basis for Canton Hong Kong and Shanghai, Northmast eight to M.W.T. London from M.W.T. Shanghai refors.
4.
8.A.C.S.E.A. had previously signalled possibility of obtaining shipment 7,000 tons coal with expected time of arrival sometimo in November. M.W.T. are hoping to borrow from M.V.T. stocks at Singapore 2,000 to 3,000 tons coal intended for Bunkers for coasters in Hong Kong without which they cannot operate.
5.
Of above source proabably only S.A.C.S.E.A. can supply in time to avoid crisis at end of this month with almost certain breakdown,.
161354
Advance Copy 1st S.L.
73
1st S.L.(34) & for C.I.G.S., C.A.S., Defence Office
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