CO537-3704 — Page 18

NATIONAL

SCHEME

FOR DIS

DISABLED

Pol. 8320/48

SECRET

18

COMMONWEALTH RELATIONS OFFICE,

DOWNING STREET,

WHITEHALL, S.W.1.

17* August, 1948

19 AUG 1948

(16)

Dear Acheson,

Would you please refer to your letter to Rumbold of the 18th May (54145/13) about the admission of Indians into Hong Kong.

2. We have now considered your letter in consultation with the Security Service. The latter would be opposed to any suggestion involving the use of their link in New Delhi to guard Hong Kong's interests in the exclusion of Indian undesirables.

3. So far as Security are concerned they would be content if arrangements made with India in regard to the United Kingdom were applied to Hong Kong. Last December we asked the Governments of India and Pakistan not to grant to the more notorious Indian collaborators passports admitting them to the United Kingdom without prior reference to us. Neither Government has commented on this request and we assume it has been accepted by them. Our request was made in general terms and not with reference to any list of undesirable persons.

4. If, however, as would seem to be the case, the Hong Kong Government are not prepared in any relaxation of the

A.B.Acheson, Esq., C.M.G.,

Colonial Office.

/present