531
Pr
1500 pads. 4/44. C.B. &S.Ltd. 52-6429.
SECRET
IN
From
0. in C. Hong Kong
UCE F.0.9. S BY W/T
011308z/séptRECEIVED:-
DATE 3.9.45
TIME
1820
Repetition and
Gonzantion
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 à One-Time Pad ("O.T.P.") are excepted from this rule.] Addressed
In MAIALE
Aumiralty
>
'።
Pass following from Officer Administering the Government
Reference Hong Kong to Secretary of State for the Colonies. your message via Chungking dated 17th August and your message via Admiralty in reply to mine of 23rd August.
I have seeǹ draft. Admiral Harcourt arrived 20th August, proclamation carried by him to establish military administra- tion. lie concurs that existing Civil Administrative Departments should continue to function under him and proposes to appoint me Lieut-Governor to take charge of Civil Affairs With a Colonial Secretary and the usual other civil officers and councils to assist me. With your concurrence I shall be
It is necessary that some glad to accept this appointment. existung Government, Essential Services, and Public Utilities Personnel should remain behind to assist the Military Auministration later the general evacuation of prisoners of war I understand that it is not the policy to evacuate officially civil internees, as distinct from prisoners of war and cases urgently requiring hospitalization and treatment abroad. To ascertain what persons would still be physically and mentally fit for civilian duties, medical examination
The wishes of the indiviquals themselves will be undertaken. will have to be consulted. Especially in the case of those who, in addition to the other privations and hardships they have undergone, are long overque for normal leave and have not seen their relatives an familities for years. Those who remain behind could not be kept on duty much longer than the end of 1945 when those who should proceed now on leave would have, if fit, to be prepared to return to relieve them. In any case there is likely to be a severe shortage of civil staff and work will have to be done in the absence
I would therefore ask that the of many normal facilities.
possibility of drafting in additional staff of kinas to be specified as the position develops should be explored without delay. Administrative, Financial, Legal, Medical and Fublic Works Department personnel should be kept in view for supplements. A well qualified officer to fill the post of Attorney-General is particularly desired at an early date. I would request information also as to how payment of salaries and family allowances of Government servants has been dealt with since end 1941 and what arrange:ents should be made for payment from now on and what credentials in this respect those who are proceeding elsewhere will require.
0113082
M.(4) for Colonial Office
OH
Page 90Page 91