CO129-590-23 Situation in Hong Kong 25-4-1905 - 25-4-1905 — Page 24

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arriving there on 29.4.42. I reported my lack of immediate success for the information of His Majesty's Ambassador.

I romained in ai Chau until 10.5.42. expecting news of some developments, a also recuperating from the offeats of an indifferent diet over a period of months. Owing to political difficulties, close contact with the guerillas with whom I was working was impossible, and when I left Wai Chau in response to a request from His Majesty's Ambassador to visit Chungking for a personal discussion, I had not yet received any fresh newB.

His majesty's Ambassador was aware of the nature of my mission through information given to him by Mrs. Priestwood at my request. Time and secrecy being such important factors, it was impossible without many weeks travel, to consult His Majesty', Ambassador personally for authority to undertake this work.

Mrs. Priostwood in addition carried from me a despatch containing all the information in my possession about conditions in Hong Kong during and after the war, with instruct- iens to transmit the relevant portions to the authorities concerned.

I had hoped to be able to return to the vicinity of Hong Kong to continue the work started, and with this hope in view, I tendered my services to the Military Attaché on my arrival

I in Chungking after interviowing His Majesty's Ambassador. asked that I should be permitted to concentrate on the interests of civilian internees. I had been informed that the Colonial Office approved of my remaining in China. On 23.6.42. I was however informed by the Military Attaché that my services would not be required.

I have incurred some expenditure in connection with this work, and accoɩmt of which I have submitted to his Majesty's Ambassador. His Excellency has been pleased to authorise that my expenses, other than purely personal expenses over the period 4.4.42 to 5.6.42., when I arrived in Chungking, should be met by the Refugee Relief Fund, for which decision I am vory gratefu).

With the approval of His Majesty's Ambassador, I am leaving Chungking on or about 25.6.42. for New Delhi, to inter- view Mr. Weightman, Joint Secretary of the External Affairs Department, Government of India, in connection with a suggestion put forward by His Majesty's Arbassador for my future employment. (Chungking Embassy telegram No. 398 of June 19th).

No.398

(Signed) W.P. Thompson.

24.6.42.