CO129-592-12 Future policy and draft proclamations- Martial Law and establishment of military administration 1-8-1945 - 31-8-1945 — Page 7

Colonel strickland

Miss Ruston

75

PROCLAMATIONS

We will look through all the latest drafts which you have left with us and if we have any suggestions to offer on them, we will telegraph them out to you as soon as possible.

I expect you are aware that the Civil Affairs Directorate has a rooted, objection to the use of the phrase "martial law" in such proclamations. In fact the text of No.1 Proclamation as telegraphed to the C. in C. quite properly does not contain this phrase, but uses instead the phrase "Military Administration". You will no doubt keep this in mind in drafting subsequent Proclamations.

It has been pointed out to me that Article 3 of Proclamation No.1 as telegraphed to the C. in C. states that "all Laws existing immediately prior to the Japanese occupation will be respected und administered." In the corresponding Malayan Proclamation and in the previous Hong Kong draft it is stated that such only of the existing Laws as the Chief Civil Affairs Officer considers practicable to administer during the period of military administration would be administered. Are you satisfied that it will be possible for you to adminster all Laws existing immediately prior to the

Japanese occupation? If not, is there any sufficient reason for the change in wording?

J.J.Pain 25.8.45