CO129-563-19 Sino-Japanese War- fund for relief of distress in China 5-10-1937 - 17-11-1937 — Page 37

S

COPY

CHINA

ASSOCIATION HONGKONG BRANCH

E.M.Gull, Esq.,

Secretary,

China Associati on,

ti on

EONDON.

(P.0.Box 321)

27th October, 1937.

37

Dear Sir,

I confirm receipt of your cable, dated 7th October,reading:-

"Key, Chambercom, Hongkong.

Referring Reuters summary our appeal relief distress China published here October 2 proceed in cooperation Shanghai create local organisation Consult Hongkong Government Gull China Association".

On receipt, I sent a copy to the China Association, Shanghai, for information; also to the Hong Kong Government asking the Colonial Secretary for an interview.

As the Colonial Budget was under consideration at the time, it was not surprising that the interview did not take place until October 19. It was evident from the interview and further subsequent talks with other Government officials, that the situation at present is not so severe as to call for any special consideration by the Government. Apart from the work done by the British Refugees Committee set up under the chairmanship of Mr.W.J.Carrie, a cadet officer, the principal onus has fallen upon the Tung Wah Hospital which is sending Chinese from Shanghai, Japan and elsewhere to their homes.

At first sight it would appear that, when a statement has been rendered by the Tung Wah Hospital of the monies thus expended, a grant to their funds would be appropriate and, judging from the account given of their financial position, very acceptable.

I enclose a memorandum of enquiries made and will write again when matters have developed further. A copy of this letter (and memorandum) is going to the China Association, Shanghai, and of the memorandum a copy fo the Hongkong Government.

I cannot conclude without expressing appreciation of the efforts being made at Home to help.

Yours faithfully,

(Sgd) M.F.KEY.

Hon. Secretary.