2
SECRET
WARNING: This is an unparaphrased version of a secret cypher or confidential code message and the text must first be paraphrased if it is essential to communicate it to persons outside British or Allied Government Services. (*Note: Messages shown as having been sent in a One-Time Pad: "O.T.P." are excepted from this rule.)
From C. in C. Hong Kong.
1207562 September
Date 13.9.45.
Recd.
1725.
C.C.M. NAVAL F.O. SEC. BY W/T
Addressed Admiralty.
IMPORTANT.
102
IN
Begins:
Following from Gimson (?for Colonial) office. Reference my telegram of 1st September. MacDougall and first members of Civil Affairs unit have arrived. I have discussed with him and Executive Councillors the position regarding the civil side of the military administration. MacDougall affirms that what has been done here already in civil affairs is in line with policy of His Britannic Majesty's Government's policy on the broad issues. I have of course been concerned primarily with taking things over from the Japanese in as good order as possible and facilitating transfers without loss or friction whilst at the same time guarding against lack of supplies ensuring continuance of essential service. Preserving law and order and generally saving any part of the population from grave hardship especially those which might arise from
The This transfer has proceeded smoothly. departments that have been functioning in addition to the ordinary civil departments like the Civil Secretarial and Executive Council the Secretarial for Chinese Affairs, Public Works, Public Health and Medical Departments, Police Department have included departments under the following - Accommodation officer, Controller of Food (with 4 Deputy Controllers) Rice, Fuel (with 3 Deputy Controllers), Communications, Land Transport, Water Transport, Electricity, Publishing and Printing and Docks. MacDougall's legal adviser however explains that full fledged civil administration as established is more than was immediately contemplated and in fact conflicts with terms of military administration proclamation. There is especial difficulty in regard to the staffing of a civil administration on the lines of the pre-hostilities administration.
currency.
I myself propose with your permission to take an early opportunity of proceeding homewards with the proclamation referred to in my telegram of 1st September appointing me Lieutenant Governor has been amended as I gather MacDougall and his legal adviser will now advise the Commander in Chief.
1st Lord.
1st S.L. (3)
D. F.S.L.
N.A. to D.F.S.L. V.C.N.S.
A.C.N.S. (H) A.C.N.S. (F) parl. sec. Sec.
Dep, Sec. Naval sec.
P.A. S. (L)
P.A.S.(S)
D. N.I. (5)
120756Z
M. (35) and for Colonial office for
D. of P.
D. of P.
Ad. Blake 0.1.C. (2) W.D.
3
(3)
action