INWARD TELEGRAM
This document must be paraphrased if the communication of its contents to any person outside Government Service is authorised.
160
Cypher
COPY FOR A LISTRATION
FROM COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF HONG KONG
TO THE ACMIRALTY
•
D. 18th September, 1945,
IMPORTANT
Ꮧ.
R. 18th
#t
06.40 hrs.
C.C.M. (NAVAL) F.C.'s Secret by W/T.
Addressed : Admiralty for Chiefs of staff,
follows
The broad picture of the present position is as
Para, 1. Colony is quiet but in view of strong patrols maintained throughout the city it is difficult to judge genuineness of atmosphere. Population estimated soon to reach one million relatively healthy and adequately clothed. Good proportion shops opened though. stocks small and prices bound to rise on scarcity value, Doubtful if state adequate to enforce price control in practical proposition,
Para. 2. Too early to judge yet success or otherwise of reintroduction of Hong Kong dollar and demonetisation of the Yen on 14th September. Problem is to achieve reasonable circulation and prevent oupflow of notes to China, To date currency changeover quieter than expected though some .protests beginning to be vulged particularly concerning slowness of circulation, Vublic relief on large scale may be necessary pending fulier circulation of new notes.
/Para. 3.
1
Copy sent to:-
Trea puny
30
Dominions Offic
MI. M.E. Young, Mr. R.I.M. James. Mr. J.M.C. James.