FOREIGN OFFICE, S.W. 1.
13th January, 1941.
RECEIVED
96
او
(5)
8
souso ichn
(F168/98/10)
Dear Gent
►
14 JAN 10141 C.
CAY
52/-/40
With reference to Chungking telegram No. 8′ and Hong Kong telegram No. 23 on the subject of the Hong Kong Immigration Ordnance, I enclose a copy of a memorandum which the Chinese Ambassador recently sent to Cadogan.
2. Dr. Quo also called on Mr. Butler on 8th January to discuss the question. Mr. Butler told Dr. Quo that the projected regulations must stand. They constituted a defence measure, not intended to discriminate against the Chinese or anyone else; as the Ambassador must realise, the conglomeration of a large number of persons in a small place such as Hong Kong, at a time of crisis such as the present, was unwise.
3. The Ambassador took the decision fairly well but raised a number of points which Butler undertook to have lookeä into, firstly, whether permits of entry could be obtained at the
point of entry into llong Kong territory and not only at Hong
Kong itself; secondly, the position as regards consular visas, to which Mr. Butler replied that he understood that no passports were required; thirdly, facilities for distinguished persons entering Hong Kong such as Madame Chiang, in connexion with which Mr. Butler promised the Ambassador that a special effort would be made to prevent unpleasant incidents arising; and fourthly, the case of merchants who would have to go in and out of Hong Kong plying their wares.
4. Mr. Butler was also to see Northcote on the evening of the same day with a view to describing to him some of the difficulties which the Chinese apprehend may arise, but so far
G.E.J. Gent, Esq., C.M.G., D.S.O.
I/
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