Any idea of housing and feeding oxisting refugees free has already been ruled out on the ground of impracticability and expense. Hospital camps up to 3,000, could hopever be got going in two to three weeks. If housing and food were provided, effect would be to increase influx We must therefore discourage any idea that Hong Kong will provide a refuge where they will be cared for, If I.R.O. shows any signs of taking an interest in the matter, I should be grateful if they could be told that any compa they set up must be in Chinese territory. Water supply alone would be quite inadequate for increased population. If large influx starts, my only course would be to close border as soon as possible, with militory assistance if necessary, to protect food and water and health of existing population and refugee0,
Since drufting the abovo i here received your telegram No. 1193 to which I shall shortly reply. Whilst situation in China has unpleasant possibilities for Hong Kong, there is no (repeat no) need for alovn at presente
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+th. Watt, (.R.).