54176
SECRET
HONG YONG
CIVIL AFFAIRS POLICY DIRECTIVES
CUSTODIANSHIP OF PROPERTY
For the purpose of this Directive property in Hong Kong can be divided into four main categories:-
(a) Enemy State property
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(b)
The private property of enemy nationals
(c)
The property of States belonging to the United Nations and to Neutral States
(a) The private property of companies and persons who are
British or Allied nationals or nationals of Neutral States.
In respect of the properties above-mentioned, the functions of the Custodians of Property are set out in the following paragraphs.
2.
3.
ENEMY PROPERTY
B.
State Property
snemy State property not seized as booty will be taken into custody by the Custodian as administrator, and accounts in relation thereto will be rendered to the War Office.
Private Property of enemy Nationals
The private property of enemy nationals can be sub-divided into two classes:
(a)
Private enemy property which was previously vested in the Civil Government Custodian prior to the Japanese occupation.
(b) Private enemy property which was not so
vested.
As regards (a), the Custodian, who is the successor of the Civil Government Custodian in respect of this property,, will administer as far as possible, the property previously vested in the Civil Government Custodian.
As regards (b), the Custodian, subject to the resources placed at his disposal e.g. staff and transport, will take into custody private enemy property belonging to absent owners which was not previously vested in the Civil Government Custodiun,
BRITISH, ALLIED AND NEUTRAL PROPERTY
A. State Property
The Custodian will take into custody the State property belonging to any of the Allied Nations and