CO129-591-12 Military Administration- Civil affairs- directives to force commander and senior officials 24-2-1945 - 13-9-1945 — Page 91

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From

C.in C. Hong Kong

P.357

202

IN

0113082/September

RECEIVED:-

DATE 1.9.45

TIME 2230

C.C.. lav. F.o. Sec. by W/T

WARNING: This is an unparaphrased version of a secret cypher or confidential code message, and the text must first be paraphrased* if it is essential to communicate it to persons outside British or Allied Government Services, [*NOTE: Messages shown as having been sent in a One-Time Pad ("O.T.P.") are excepted from this rule.] Addressed Admiralty

ILMEDIATE

Pass following from Officer Administering the

Government, Hong Kong to Secretary of State for the Colonies.

Reference your message via Chungking dated 17th August traft proclamation and your message via Admiralty in reply to nine of 23rd carried

August Admiral Harcourt arrived 30th August. I have seen (eerrupt groups) him to establish military administration. He concurs that existing civil administrative departments should continue to function under him and proposes to appoint me Lieut.-Governor to take charge of civil affairs with a Colonial Secretary and the usual other civil Officers and Councils to assist me. With your concurrence I shall be glad to accept this appointment. It is necessary that some existing Government, essential services, and public utilities, personnel should remain behind to assist the military administration, after the general evacuation of prisoners of war as I understand that it is not the policy to evacuate officially civil internees, as distinct from prisoners of war and cases urgently requiring hospitalization and treatment abroad. To ascertain what personnel would still be physically and mentally fit for civilian duties medical examination will be undertaken. The wishes of the individuals themselves will have to be consulted. Especially in the case of those who, in addition to the other privations and hardships they have under gone, are long overdue for normal leave and have not seen their relatives and families for years. Those who remain behind would not be kept on duty much longer than the end of 1945 when those who should proceed now on leave would have, if fit, to be prepared to return to relieve them.

In any case there is likely to be a severe shortage of civil staff and work will have to be done in the absence of many normal facilities. I would therefore ask that the possibility of drafting in additional staff of kinds to be specified as the position developes should be explored without delay. Administrative, Financial, Legal, Medical and Public Works Department personnel should be kept in view for supplements. A well qualified Officer to fill the post of Attorney-General is particularly desired at an early date. I would request information also as to how payment of salaries and family allowances of Government servants has been dealt with since end 1941 and what arrangements should be made for payment from now on and what credentials in this respect those who are proceeding elsewhere will require.

0113082

(Correction of corrupt groups requested)

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