CO537-(1262-1649) — Page 367

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From from

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TOP SECRET

CIPHER TELEGRAM

This message will not be distributed outside British Government Departments or Headquarters or re-transmitted, even in cipher, without being paraphrased. (Messages marked O.T.P. need not be paraphrased.)

From:

War Office.

T5:

99057

C. in C. Hong Kong

..cipher (C...4)

19.

Desp. 261830 Feb'46

D.T.0. 2611002

IMEEDLITE

26

Feb. 46.

TOP SECRET

8

The critical world food situation particularly as regards rice

and wheat has been engaging the attention of all branches of His Majesty's

In this connection Ministers have been somewhat alarmed at

Government.

the thought that Hong Kong's food requirements may be artificially swollen by

iigration from the mainland. In these circumstances Ministers have

directed that most urgent enquiries should be made whether any steps can be

taken to check the infiltration of Chinase into Hong Kong.

Fully appreciate reasons which led to lifting of immigration

restrictions against Chinese as set out in paragraph 5 of your 494 cipher

15th November and also political considerations involved, but should be

grateful if you would review unster in light of critical food situation

and advise as soon as possible whether anything can be done to restrict

any influx of population into Hong Kong which would add to our liabilities.

C.6.(Wels.)

Distributed to:-

MS.25

Secretary of State

Sir G. Gater

Mr. Creech-Jones

Sir A. Dawe

Sir E. Gent

Sir C. Jeffries

Mr. Lloyd

Mr. Poynton

Mr. Bourdillon Mr.

Paskin Mr. Caine

Mr. Davies

Distribution by C.......4.

S. of S.

U.S. of 3.

F.U.S.

D.U.S.(A) (B)

D.F.(A)

D.C.A.

D.D.3.A. (M.G.) (3) D.E.(C...)

C.1.4, 17.

ki.0.1, 12.

M.I.2, 5, 17.

A.C.3.

Defence Office

Foroin Office (r. Sterndale Bennett) Colonial Office (Mr. Mayle)

(Tel. Dist. Sec.)(15) Ministry of Food (r. H.L. Sanderson)

1

cms

Ref.:

CO 537/1402

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