XXX SECRET.
Sir,
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lo
Seerer 6214/150/39
GOVERNMENT HOUSE,
HONG KONG.
3rd July, 1939.
Ausd 11
Enclosure No.1.
Enclosure No.2.
0.μ 9
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Q⋅RP days (16)
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I have the honour to refer to your secret despatch
of 1st June, 1939, regarding the programme proposed by this
Government in the matter of passive defence measures against
air raid attack, and to inform you that in view of the
opinion there expressed that the programme, although
generally suitable, should be expedited as much as possible,
a revised estimate of expenditure to be incurred in the
present financial year has been drawn up. This involved an
increase of more than $1,500,000 in the expenditure approved
in the 1939 estimates, but after confidential discussion the
Finance Committee of Legislative Council agreed to approve
the necessary provision. Detailed votes were accordingly
submitted in Finance Message No.6, a copy of which is
enclosed, and approved by the Finance Committee at a meeting
of 29th June. I enclose also for your information a copy
of a statement on the subject which was made in Legislative
Council by the Colonial Secretary on the same date.
2.
In view of the terms of your despatch under
reference I have assumed that you will be prepared to
approve the necessary financial provision to proceed as
rapidly as possible with these measures and orders for
equipment, etc., are accordingly being transmitted to the
Crown Agents for the Colonies. I have now to request your
THE RIGHT HONOURABLE
MALCOLM MACDONALD, M.P.,
&C.,
&c., &c.
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