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TOP SECRET
Pol.10230/49
Dear Sir Marston,
3rd February, 1949.
Would you please refer to your letter of the 22m 11th January (No.54145/13) about the entry of Indians
into Hong Kong. 19.68
(2)
4 LB 1948
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2. It is presumably the intention that the proposals contained in the Governor's telegram of 20th December should, if approved, be communicated by the Government of Hong Kong direct to the Government of India (with. whom they appear to have been in direct correspondence early in 1947), and also doubtless to the Government of Pakistan. If the presumption is incorrect and you will let us know we will then approach the two Govern- ments through our High Commissioners and ascertain whether they will co-operate in the matter of security screening. We think they would probably do so, but whether they would acquiesce without protest in the Governor's present proposals for the admission of Indians without reference is another matter.
3. As regards the condition to be observed, we feel that the phrase "subject to security screening" is hardly adequate unless the nature of the screening is specified, and it would not seem enough to add that it refers to Communist leanings. In view of develop- ments in China we feel that Hong Kong should ask the Governments concerned to screen very rigorously, with a purpose which might be defined as the exclusion of any communist fellow traveller, or any person known or suspected to be intending, or prepared to, assist communism in any way.
4. It might help to secure the agreement of India and Pakistan in this matter if the Government of Hong Kong
Sir Marston Logan, K.B.E.
Colonial Office.
C.M.G.,
were/