Miz
Aires Aim to 54145/13/45
CIPHER TELEGRAM
21
081624.
tä
This message will not be distributed outside British Government Departments or Headquarters or re-transmitted, even in cipher, without being paraphrased. (Messages marked O.T.P. need not be paraphrased.)
Recd. 160215 Nov 45.
From:-
C in C Hong Kong.
D.T.0. 150914 Z.
To:-
The War Office.
Info:
Sacsea.
Alfsea.
Cin C India.
IMPORTANT.
494 cipher 15 Nov.
2
CONFIDENTIAL.
For Civil Affairs and Colonial Office from Civil Affairs.
One. General situation continues surprisingly satisfactory
though fundamental lack of commodities and supplies is
beginning to tell seriously against us.
Two. Prices however of essential foodstuffs maintain
downward trend though not yet sufficient to warrant change in
high cost of living allowance.
Three. Local dollar continues to show strength and has appreciated against national dollar to rate of 165 to 1 Hong
Kong dollar.
Four. Commercial community of all Nationalities awaiting
announcement of reopening Colony for private trading. It is
hoped to make this announcement next week. Banks began
exchange business within Sterling area on November 12.
Five. Immigration restrictions against Chinese were lifted today after discussion with Canton Authorities in return for offer of help with food supplies. In effect we
cancelled restrictions we could not enforce and Canton
/offered