Sray Srapp
54 06/1.
A
20 December, 1941.
48
Dear Hardie,
16.12.41. 16.12.41
With reference to our recent talk I enclose copies of telegrams exchanged with the Governor of Hong Kong regarding the maintenance of remittance payments to the families of "civilian" husbands whose normal arrangements for remitting from the Colony are now obstructed.
The following is a summary of the action which we gre taking to implement the undertaking which we agreed that the Governor should give.
(a)
We are authorizing the Crown Agents to continue remittances which they have already been making on behalf of Government Officers to their familiea in this country. We are also asking them to get into touch with the normal remitting agencies (banks etc.) in this country to ensure that remittances through such agencies are continued.
(b) We are writing to the Sastern Banks Association asking them to be so good as to circularize those of their members who have staffs in Hong Kong with a view to their co-operating in the policy of the Hong Kong Government by undertaking responsibility for remittances in respect of their own staffs. e are writing similarly to the China Association as regards Hong Kong firms with London Offices.
(c) We are writing to the Dominions office informing them of the undertaking and asking them to send instructions through the United Kingdom High Commissioner in Australia to the Hong Kong Government's Financial Liaison Officer in Australia to maintain subsistence payments made under the existing evacuation s
and to
W.F.R. HARDIE, ESQ.