T
the Compliments of in
Unser Secretary of State for Dowi
(This is an unparaphrased version of a Secret cypher message and unless it is marked O.T.P(One Time Pad) the text must first be paraphrased if it is essential to communicate it to persons outside British and United States Government Services.)
OUTWARD TELEGRAM
158
2
WR. 218/101. CYPHER (TYPEX)
FROM:
D.O.
TO:
CANADA
NEW ZEALAND
D. No. 1753 SECRET.
AUSTRALIA
SOUTH AFRICA
(GOVT.)
#!
(Sent 2.00 p.m. 20th Sept., 1945,)
My telegram 3rd September D. No. 1622. Hong Kong.
O.D.
As already announced Japanese signed surrender of Hong Kong on 16th September.
2. We have now received from Admiral Harcourt general summary of present position in Colony of which following are main points:-
(a) Colony quiet but in view of strong patrols maintained throughout city it is difficult to judge genuineness of atmosphere. Population in general (numbers of which are expected soon to reach million mark) is relatively healthy and adequately clothed and appears glad to see us back.
Dooks
(b) Four times as many Chinese flags as British displayed in city. (c) Trams, ferries, newspapers, telephones and electricity working on limited scale. Water supply in fairly good condition. damaged but not to extent previously reported and large number now working. Damage to property averages 15% overall though some districts have sustained as high as 60% damage through combination of bombing, fire and looting.
(a) Good proportion of shops open though stocks small and prices expected to rise on scarcity value. Business generally at a standstill and difficulties likely to increase until import of merchandise
Food reasonable and ten days stocks of rice. Fuel and possible. firewood situation serious.
(e) Too early to judge yet success or otherwise of reintroduction of Hong Kong dollar and demonetisation of the yen on 14th September. Problem is to achieve reasonable circulation and prevent outflow of ncter to China. To date surrency changeover quieter than expected
Public relief though some protests concerning slowness of circulation. on large scale may be necessary pending fuller oirculation of new notes.
(f) Chinese civil servante beginning to report for duty in fair numbers. A few grant-aided schools have been opened and more are expected to open shortly.
(g) At present essential life of colony is sustained by Service personnel pending arrival of adequate civil affairs staff.
(n) Difficult times lie ahead.
Copy to:-
Cabinet Offices
Foreign Office War Office
Colonial Office Amiral ty
1.
Mr. J.0. Sterndale-Bennett, Brig. F.G. French. Mr. J.J. Paskin. Mr. C.H.M. Valdock. Waldock.
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