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54453/2/49
Dear Wickson,
THE CHURCH HOUSE,
GREAT SMITH STREET,
8. W. 1.
Jeptember, 1949.
DOCI NAS
We have received enquiries regarding compensation for the war damage loss of private chattels in Hong Kong of persons now permanently resident, or likely to be permanently resident in Australia and who would appear to be in very straitened circumstances.
2. As you are probably aware there is no war damage compensation Scheme in Hong Kong and no compensation can be paid from Hong Kong Covernment Funds in respect of general war damage losses in that Celony. So far as concerns assistance from Hia Majesty's Government there is in this country the Far Eastern Private Chattels Scheme, under which lisited, ex-gratia payments can be made for the purchase of necessary furniture etc. This scheme, which in its original form applied only to United Kingdom British Subjects who had been interned (or the dependents of those who died in internment) and who had returned to live permanently in the United Kingdom has récently been extended on the lines set out in the attached statement. Awards are, however, contingent, inter alià, on the individual being a United Kingđòm British Subject and on taking up permanent residence in this country.
D.W.H. WICKSON, ESQ.,
TIONS OFFICE,
COMMONWEALTH RELATIONS OFFICE,
3...