24. To Sterndale Bennett)
)(w/c.23) comps.
8.11.40.
25.
To Major Steel
26.
To A.L. Scott (F.0.) (w/c. 23) comps.
15.11.40.
27. F.0.
F.4882/43/10
14.11.40.
28. H.K.
tel. 734
14.11.40.
29
To A.L. Scott (F.0.) (w/c.28) comps.
16.11.40.
8
The Chinese Ambassador (see No. 27) is still expressing the opposition of his Government to this
measure.
As regards the last sentence, the question of using the powers given under the Bill to deal with the problem of would-be returning evacuees is discussed on the evacuation papers which are in urgent circulation at the moment. Sir Grattan Bushe has advised strongly however against using the Bill or indeed any ordinance to deal with this question and has suggested that any action should be taken by Defence Regulation.
I have discussed with Mr. Gent and submit a letter to Mr. Scott at the Foreign Office.
(Sgd.) W. B. L. MONSON.
16.11.40.
30. To A.L. Scott (F.0.)
16.11.40.
31. 0. A. G.
tel.751 Sec.
22.11.40.
Copy of (31) has gone to Mr. A.L. Scott.
(Sgd.) W.B.L. MONSON.
26.11.40.
Draft herewith in which F.O. (Mr. Scott)
concur.
(Sgd.) G. E.J. GENT.
26.11.40.
32.
F.0.
F.5193/43/10
26.11.40.
33.
To Governor Hong Kong tel.No.707
26.11.40.
34.
To Scott (w/c.33) comps.
29.11.40.
35.
H.K.
Tel. 769
29.11.40.
Page
9
I have sent a telegram separately for
despatch asking for this to be repeated to H.M. Missions at Shanghai and Chungking.
The 0.A.G. was anxious to have the S. of S.'s authority for bringing the Bill into force by proclamation as soon as possible after it has passed the Legislative Council. It aroused no opposition there and I think that we should, subject to any F.O. views, agree to it being brought into force at
once.
Letter to F.0. herewith.
(Sgd.) W.B.L. MONSON.
3.12.40.
(Sgd.) G. E. J. GENT.
3.12.40.
•
(Intld.) A. C. B.
3.12.40.
DESTROYED UNDER
VESTROYED
Secretary of State.
You will recollect this subject which was discussed with you when you were considering the draft telegram in No.23.
The Chinese Government have been
But
unnecessarily perturbed about this legislation which is based primarily upon defence requirements. our Ambassador (No.22) does not expect Chinese Government reactions to be severe, and provided the F.0. do not now object, I think the 0. A. G. should be authorised to bring the Bill into force.
? As proposed.
[6.xii. 40
STATUTE
To A. K.
UNDER STATUTE
t
4.12.40.