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Messrs. Morse and Swire met Mr. Gent, Mr. Paskin, Mr. McDougall and myself yesterday for the periodic discussions on Hong Kong Civil affairs.
In view of the fact that our last meeting was devoted to consideration of a new Constitution in Hong Kong, the original purpose of these meetings namely review of civil affairs matters, was stressed, and Mr. Gent said that before proceeding further with consideration of the Constitution at these talks, he wished to seek approval from higher authority. action on file 54145/4.
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Action already taken by the Hong Kong Planning Unit was briefly surveyed and Messrs. Morse and Swire were asked whether they had any comments to make.
Mr. Morse referred to experience in the Phillipines which pointed to need for more food control. The H. K. P. U. have not yet obtained a Food Controller or given much thought to the problem but it was noted as a matter of importance.
Mr. Swire referred to the arrangement which he understood had also been made in the Phillipines in regard to dieting internees. A: diet had been very carefully worked out which provided the right food for people in the condition which it must be expected the internees would be and steps were taken to see that they had neither too much nor too little.
Mr. Morse spoke of the arrangement which he expected would receive final approval in the War Office for the release from the Armed Forces of personnel of the Hong Kong Bank. They would be posted by the military authorities to work in such branches of the Bank as might be desired; they could wear mufti or uniform and would be under the direction of the Bank; they would receive their present Army pay and the military authorities would be re-imbursed by the Bank; they would thus remain soldiers in name but be able to work as civilians without restriction until such time as they would normally be demobilised.
Reference was made to the need in the near future for an accountant in the Hong Kong Civil Affairs Unit. Mr. Morse stressed the importance of having a man of the utmost integrity. He would have to be paid more than the normal rate of salary agreed
for Civil Affairs Officers. It was important that he should have had no previous contact with Hong Kong but Mr. Morse thought that we must expect that at the end of his temporary contract he would wish to stay on there. Mr. Morse thought that he would be able to submit to us the name of a suitable man and undertook to do so in due course.
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Mr. McDougall reported briefly on the present members of the Hong Kong Planning Unit and the establishment of 270 which was the present figure for the operational period. He anticipated that perhaps 70 of these could be found who had some contact with Hong Kong and the remainder would have to be drawn from A. C. I. candidates.
Mr. Gent mentioned the fisheries, scheme put forward before the war by Mr. Hertz faktors This scheme which was to be organised in association with the University and which had received the keen
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