CO129-570-3 Sino-Japanese War- proposed refugee camp in demilitarised area of South China 1-6-1938 - 11-1-1939 — Page 85

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PARAPHRASE TELEGRAM from the Governor of Hong Kong to the

Secretary of State for the Colonies.

Dated 18th July, 1938,

દડ

Received 11.18 a.m., 18th July, 1938.

No.204.

Your telegram No.135.

The local problem of refugees falls broadly into

two parts. (a) Situation which may arise if the Japanese

invade Kuangtung Province, At present I do not think it

necessary to do more than make plans to meet possible

eventualities in this connection. Numbers seeking refuge

here would vary greatly in accordance with the place of

landing. There is room for a very large camp at Fanling

Hunt racecourse near to the border and in case of large ? sudden southern influx I would try to concentrate refugees there.

To prevent refugees entering urban areas it would

be necessary to pass legislation to control movements of

aliens within the Colony. This could be done aa en

emergency measure if and when required.

Physically it

should not be difficult to prevent the great majority of

such refugees entering urban areas by steamer or land routes.

(b) There appear to be about 200,000 existing refugees

the great majority of whom have been absorbed in the towns ?of and the Colony. Problem presented by these is obscure and special investigation is being undertaken.

5.

In this connection schemes are under consideration.

(1) There is a fluid class of refugees en route to

other ports who require temporary shelter and food. The

number of these has recently averaged about 2,000 and

erection clearing house accommodation for them is

contemplated.

(2) A scheme for cheap lodgings for the large class

of refugees who can s'absist themselves and can afford to pay

low rent is being considered by the Bishop.

assistance may be necessary.

Government

(28) 0:1 7 hag

(3)