CO129-570-2 Sino-Japanese War- restrictions on refugees in Hong Kong- due to shortage of accommodation 30-5-1938 - 1-6-1938 — Page 2

b.l. Sons Jeans both Gov. Circular tel

cutting

See 82 & 92 on 53838/2/57

I have spoke 16 le Troughton B.B.C. The statement was camected in 10-day's news.

P.R.

2

30.5.38

In view of saturation in housing accommodation; well- to - to refugees advised to go elsewhere; destitute refregels must produce $20 each or be returned.

2. Gov. tel.146

31.5.38

measure

Ref 1. contemplates immediate lassage of restricting

land lords right to possession in cases of hardship. B.B.C. statex 70,000 in error fer 7,000 refugees. Regst arm be corrected

1.

Last December we approved the Governor's

taking power to restrict immigration into the Colony,

except under permit. I presume that this telegram

means that the Governor has now brought into use the

powers he possesses, and in view of the very large

influx of refugees from Canton and the number of

cases reported weekly of infectious diseases, I think

there can be no objection to this course.

B. o.T.

2.

? Copy to F.O., W.0., Admiralty, A.M. and

Lff.

I am not clear whether the Governor desires

the S. of S's approval for his contemplated measure

of restriction of landlords right to possession, but

I see no objection to giving this. I think there can

be little uoupt that the very considerable number of

refugees going into Hong Kong from Canton might raise

rents to an unduly high level. The B.B.C. might be

asked unofficially by 'phone to correct their

statement.

by let

? Reply that the S. of S. concurs in the

Governor's proposal to pass a measure restricting the

landlords right to possession in cases of nardship,

Bay

and that the 3.3.C. have been asked to correctneir

statement.

above.

Copy telegrams to departments with Lff.

P.T.O

7. Rages

31.v.38