are strong indications here that communist authorities in Kwangtung do not wish to receive these refugees and are uninterested in their disposal but Central People's Government in Peking may now take a different view on the subject.
5. It is in my view impracticable at this stage of events to preserve an effective classification of these
As stated in refugees into soldiers and civilians.
paragraph 3 of my telegram to Peking 55 of 27th April (repeated to you as 460) interrogation is the only means
of identification and results must necessarily be inconclusive. It would simplify the problem if they could all be regarded as distressed Chinese Subjects who entered the Colony as a result of hostilities in China and question of their disposal dealt with accordingly.
6. I shall be (? grateful omitted) if this question may receive urgent consideration.
(Copies to F.0. for repetition to Peking and Tamsui)
Copy sent to:-
Foreign Office
Mr. A.E.E.Franklin
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