CO537-4802 — Page 45

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EXTRACT FROM A IE TTER ADDRESSED TO MR. J.B. SIDEBOTHAM BY SIR ALEXANDER GRANTHAM, GOVERNOR

OF HONG KONG.

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Government House,

Hong Kong.

17th May, 1949.

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There has not been a big rush of British European refugees from Shanghai, and so far we have been able to house all those who are unable to fend for themselves in the Missions to Seamen building.

If we get many more we shall have to open our tented camp where they will be very uncomfortable in the event of heavy rains which are due shortly. As regards Chinese refugees about 100,000 have come in since November. This is not as bad as it might have been. The difficulty here is that there is really no half-way house between our open door policy and shutting the door completely. Tere we to do the latter there would certainly be economic repercussions and there well might be political repercussions as well. We are therefore anxious not to do it unless we absolutely have to.

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Orig. on file 54228/1/49