COPY FOR KEQIÐTRATION
PARAPHRASE TELEGRAM from the Governor of Hong Kong to the
Secretary of State for the Colonies.
Dated 18th July, 1938,
દડ
Received 11.18 a.m., 18th July, 1938.
No.204.
Your telegram No.135.
The local problem of refugees falls broadly into
two parts. (a) Situation which may arise if the Japanese
invade Kuangtung Province, At present I do not think it
necessary to do more than make plans to meet possible
eventualities in this connection. Numbers seeking refuge
here would vary greatly in accordance with the place of
landing. There is room for a very large camp at Fanling
Hunt racecourse near to the border and in case of large ? sudden southern influx I would try to concentrate refugees there.
To prevent refugees entering urban areas it would
be necessary to pass legislation to control movements of
aliens within the Colony. This could be done aa en
emergency measure if and when required.
Physically it
should not be difficult to prevent the great majority of
such refugees entering urban areas by steamer or land routes.
(b) There appear to be about 200,000 existing refugees
the great majority of whom have been absorbed in the towns ?of and the Colony. Problem presented by these is obscure and special investigation is being undertaken.
5.
In this connection schemes are under consideration.
(1) There is a fluid class of refugees en route to
other ports who require temporary shelter and food. The
number of these has recently averaged about 2,000 and
erection clearing house accommodation for them is
contemplated.
(2) A scheme for cheap lodgings for the large class
of refugees who can s'absist themselves and can afford to pay
low rent is being considered by the Bishop.
assistance may be necessary.
Government
(28) 0:1 7 hag
(3)