CO129-629-1 United Kingdom Private Chattels scheme- claims from persons not resident in the United Kingdom 1-7-1948 - 31-1-1952 — Page 23

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4th December, 1950.

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Dear Griffiths,

There have been one or two questions I think with regard to the ruling that anybody in Hong Kong who lost all his or her belongings as a result of the Japanese occupation cannot get the ex-gratia grant unless he or she returns to the United Kingdom.

I can quite see that is a reasonable ruling for people who want to live abroad, but it comes very hard on men who want to retire to Australia or

or one of the other Dominions. I have such a case now of Inspector Joseph Hill of the Hong Kong Police, who has had over 22 years' service.

I should have thought that as we are trying to encourage emigration a reasonable relaxation might be madein a case like this?

Yours sincerely,

(Sgd.) David Gammans

The Rt. Hon. James Griffiths, M.P.