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(F 11984/1147/10)
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FOREIGN OFFICE, S.W.1.
19th December,1945.
141
CUT FILE
Dear Bull,
I see that in Admiralty telegram to Commander in Chief Hong Kong 071406/December (7th December) it is proposed that "persons in foreign countries or British territories would apply to you .e. commander-in-Chief Hong Kong direct for permission to enter", and that in his reply (131634/December, numbered C.A. 919 for Colonial Office) Commander-in-chief Yong Kong agrees.
I should like however to point out that after consulting Harding of your office and Susiles (C.A.4, war office) we recently informed the American, Chinese, Prench and Netherlands Embassics that applications by foreign nationals should be made through their respective consular officers in Hong Kong to the Chief Civil Affairs officer there, and not direct to the latter.
I hope it is not intended to change this procedure.
I need hardly add that we are much in favour for equality ofœportunity to return for all persons irrespective of nationality.
I am sending a copy of this letter to Smailes and also to Liss Ruston.
Yours sincerely,
.C.. Bull, Nsy.,
Room 30
Sed. (A... scott)
Colonial office
nover House.
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