CO537-5001 — Page 109

INWARD TELEGRAM

TO THE SECRETARY OF STATE FOR THE COLONIES

2

Cypher (0.T.P.)

FROM DEPUTY COMMISSIONER GENERAL (COLONIAL, AFFAIRS)

D.

19th May 1949 R. 19th

12.50 hrs.

IMMEDIATE

No. 151 Seoret.

Hong Kong.

Following telegram received from the Governor of

Request you pass copies to Commissioner General

and General Ritchie.

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Begins.

Registration for Identity.

(Group undecypherable ?I) discussed this with Ritchie

when he was here last week and he asked me to let you know the position after the matter had been discussed by the Executive Council. Executive Council agreed that equipment should be ordered forthwith and Finance Committee authorized expenditure. Executive Council was doubtful about (group undecypherable) actual method of partial registration proposed by the Government Statistician. This is being further considered by sub-committee which includes the Commissioner of Police and a service representative. When sub-committee has recommended a practical scheme which is endorsed by the Executive Council the Finance Committee will be asked to authorise funds for staff and buildings.

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3.

Meanwhile Commissioner of Police is proceeding with his own registration scheme in the New Territories village. This is far simpler technically than registration of urban population. Ends.