No. 277.
My Lord,
46
GOVERNMENT HOUSE,
HONG KONG.
27th November, 1941.
Encl.No.1.
Encl.No.2.
I have the honour to inform Your Lordship that after consulting the Executive Council I have appointed an advisory committee with the following terms of reference:-
"To advise Government on any preparatory
measures which can be taken and on the advance information which should be collected, for the purpose of facilitating the return to Hong Kong of the evacuated wives and children of residents as soon as permission is given for their entry into the Colony".
Notification
A copy of the Government Katie announcing the appointment of the Committee is enclosed.
2.
Although it is not yet possible to say how soon women and children will be allowed to return to Họng Kong, I am satisfied that no time ought to be lost in making such preparations as are possible for that event. There is certainly much useful work for the Committee to do in the way of collecting information and providing in advance for meeting the undoubted difficulties that will arise as soon as the prohibition is removed. I fear indeed that unless there is the most careful preparation we run the risk of causing further distress not unaccompanied by complaint in connection with the return of these families, every circumstance of whose departure was, as you are aware, the subject of the most bitter recrimination.
3. I enclose for your information a copy of a press communique which was issued on the subject of the appointment of this Committee. I am satisfied that the announcement did not give rise to any false hopes as to the imminence of return.
I have the honour to be,
My Lord,
Your Lordship's most obedient, humble servant,
ཅན་ཐལ་ནད་མ་༢.
Governor.