CO537-6314 — Page 84

OUTWARD TELEGRAM.

FROM THE SECRETARY OF STATE FOR THE COLONIES.

H452 $28

COTY FOR REGISTRATION

Cypher 0.T.P.

No. 648.

TO HONG KONG (Sir A. Grantham)

Sent 1st May, 1950. 12.05 hrs.

Confidential.

RECEIVED 2MAT 1900 COLONIAL OFFICE

Following from Peking to Hong Kong No. 71 of 29th April, repeated for information to Foreign Office No. 448. Begins.

26

Your telegram No.55.

Nationalist soldiers.

I cannot reconcile the figures given as received here. I may challenge (a) total number of ex soldiers, (b) total number immediately dependent on ex soldiers.

2. I am therefore writing to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs raising the problem in general terms without giving the precise figures of the rebels. Ends.

Circulated to:-

Secretary of State Mr. Webber

Sir T. Lloyd

Mr. T.F. Cook Sir 0. Jeffries Sir H. Poynton Mr. Gorell Barnes Mr. Eastwood Mr. A.B. Thomas Mr. Galsworthy Mr. Bennett Brig. Johnson Colonial Attache Mr, Bigg

Accounts Branch Mr. Davies

Room 445 Room 440 Mr. Paskin Mr. Sidebotham Mr. Hall Mr. Anderson