CO537-1653 — Page 5

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which were in force were formally lifted on the 15th November last and the Chinese Government has been so ini ormed, I am doubtful whether it will be practical or politic to lay them on again.

In this connection the attached telegram No.C.A.2121 of the 19th February which has just reached me is relevant. It reports that the rice ration was cut to 8 ozs. last week in face or dwindling supplies and prospects.

The

It may be considered that decision to reduce the rice ration for the time being accompanied perhaps by judicioès propaganda aimed at explaining the reasons that make such a reduction necessary would be more practical than an attempt to restore immigration restrictions.

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21.2.46

I addressed a minute to Mr. Mayle on the 14th February in which I informed him of the recommendation of the Cabinet Committee of the 12th February which ran as follows:-

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"The meeting invited the Secretary of State for the Colonies to consider in consultation with the Secretary of State for War what steps could be taken to check the infiltration of Chinese into Hong Kong so as to avert the need for increased imports of rice and other foodstuffs.

I suggest that the telegram should be

reworded as follows:

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既

"As you are aware a critical nature of world food situation particularly as regards rice and wheat has been engaging the attention of all branches of His Majesty's Government. In this connection Ministers have been somewhat alarmed at the thought that Hong Kong's food requirements may be artifically swollen by emigration 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 Chinese into Hong Kong. Please examine the

situation urgently and report by telegram within a week.

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Paragraph 5 of your number 494 cypher of the 15th November states that restrictions cannot be enforced but in light of present situation you should ask to reconsider this."

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I think that the Secretary of State should see the draft which is agreed with the War Office. I imagine also that he will wish to be furnished with a copy to take to the next meeting of the Cabinet Committee on Tuesday, unless he wishes to circulate a copy to Cabinet. It seems to me very desirable that the telegram should go off not later than tomorrow if that is possible.

In suggesting the draft above I have not taken into account political considerations as no

doubt

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