Cypher Telegram
CISTRATION
Received
in
42 8
hegistry
M
FROM HONG KONG
12 DEC 1941
FROM:
Governor (Sir M. Young)
TO:
Secretary of State for the Colonies.
D. 11th December, 1941. R. 12th
07.40 hrs.
170%
8541
S
No.1469 Secret.
Grayburn requests that an Order in Council be prepared to be issued only should Hong Kong fall into enemy hands.
Order in
Council to announce the transfer of the Head Office of Hong Kong and Shanghai Bank to London as a temporary measure and that Mr. Arthur Morse is appointed Acting Chief Manager.
Grayburn has cabled Morse.
Certain powers were granted on 2nd December under the Defence (Companies Temporary Transfer of Registered Office) Regulations but Grayburn has been unable to use them and requests preparation of Order in Council instead.
I think it right to forward his request though the contingency is not contemplated.