CO537-(1262-1649) — Page 390

-

2

THE NATIONAL ARCHIVES

}

୮

L6537. /P8106 1800 puh. 4/44. C.B.88.LAJ, 59-6429.

SECRET

From Coln 0. Hàng n

000 30

17

IN

27138/February

RECEIVED:-

DATE 27.2.46.

2239

TIME

30

NAVAL CYPHER X

WARNING: This is an imparaphrased version of a secret cypher or confidential code message, and the text must first be paraphrased* if it is essential to communicate It to persons outside British or Allied Government Services. [*NOTE: Messages shown as having been sent in a One-Time Pad ("O.T.P.") are excepted from this rule.] Addressed

Admiralty

INMEDIATE

M

✔

1.

N.T.

CA 23 02. Your DTG 201314 and 261919. Cereals.

Rice at present strictly rationed to population of approximately 1100000. Present ration is eight ounces rice plus six ounces flour plus issues of flour up to WP level for manufacture Government bread, bakers, restaurants, etc. change to this basis from straight rice ration of 12 ounces vas made on 18th February.

2.

Present stooks are rice 4000 flour 3000.

On present indications stocks at end March vill be rice 3000 flour 3500.

3.

For period April-June WWP populations estimate

on 1230000 likely to be approximately correct but this my be considerably increased if shortages in adjacent territory

are severe.

4.

Minimum rice requirements for period April-June to give straight rice ration 12 ounces and leave 10 days stɔek at end period are 40000 tons.

5.

Rice ration cannot be reduced below sight ounces. ¦ Substitution of flour should be at rate of one and a half ounces flour per one ounce rico. On basis maximum substitution allowing 10 days stook at end period minimum requirements are 25000 tons rice 18000 tons flour not including WWP flour.

6.

Must emphasise that Hồng Kong is entirely dependent on imported supplies of bulk food-stuffs. No1 local sɔurces of vegetables especially potatoes, meat, etc. have almost entirely failed owing to shipping and political difficulties. These difficulties are not likely to be resolved in early future.

M.(6) for Colonial office,

27108.

IH/102

cms

THE NATIONAL ARCHIVES

1

Ins

N

Ref.:

CO 537/1402 restrictions Further information is given in the enclosed Terms and Conditions of supply of National Archives' leaßet. Please note that this copy is supplied subject to the National Archives' terms and conditions and that your use of it may be subject to copyright

Page 390Page 391