CO537-(1262-1649) — Page 405

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Ref.:

CO 537/1402

THE NATIONAL ARCHIVES

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restrictions. Further information is given in the enclosed Terms and Conditions of supply of National Archives' leaflet. 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

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"Please comment on need for (corrupt group) rice in Hong Kong apropos of report that U.N.R.R.A. Bangkok cabled U.N.R.R.A. Washington that shipments by S. E.A.0. of 15,000 tone to Hong Kong up to January were unnecessary and of protests of Chinese here (Washington) that shipments of rice to Hong Kong excessive. Information desired as to stocks, rations or

distribution system, price, supplies, other foodstuffe, what is authorised population." Ends.

3. United States Consulate, after consulting local U.N.R.R. A. representative and ourselves, telegraphed Washington that report without foundation but nevertheless story may have been used by U.N.R.R.A. representative McAnsh (repeat eAnsh) in Bangkok as background for obtaining, to our possible detriment, increased allocation for U.N.R.R.A.

Feel very strongly that before any further cut is made in our supplier, fresh review of position should be made, more particularly in vlow of the fact that our information indicates that elthouƒh rice not plentiful in Kwangtung, there is at the moment no shortage and certainly no rationing.

4. Apart from the question of oquity, it in nigdy undesirablo politically that we should be forced on to a prepondorent flour diet in our Territory, whilst our neighboort in Kwangtung continue to enjoy a full diet of rice.

5. War Office please paen copy to Colonial Office.

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Ref.:

CO 537/1402 THE NATIONAL ARCHIVES

restrictions. Further information is given in the enclosed Terms and Conditions of supply of National Archives' leaflet.

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

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