SECRET
19
54152
HONG KONG
GIVIL AFFAIRS POLICY DIRECTIVES
Revised Draft
FINANCIAL POLICY
23/6/45
In general, as and when conditions permit, revenue,
should be collected in accordance with the legislation in force
on December 24th, 1941. In due course consideration will be
given to the introduction of a general income tax.
2.
Hong Kong should remain a free port except that
Imperial Preference should be preserved on alcoholic liquors,
motor spirit, and tobacco.
3.
Japanese business monopolies should not be maintained
permanently and Japanese run lotteries should not be revived.
Minor modification in respect of licence fees made by the Japanese may be accepted at the discretion of the General Officer
Commanding.
4.
5.
The Government opium monopoly, is not to be restored.
As soon as the situation permits Budgetary Control and
estimates of revenue and expenditure should be re-established
in accordance with colonial regulations.
6.
Valid pre-occupation claims against the Government
should be met as and when they can be verified.
7.
Special arrangements should be made to examine and
deal with claims on account of war damage.
• 8.
The future currency and the treatment of Japanese
issues are de
dealt with in a separate directive.