FO371-24687 — Page 256

10

Page 256

F

F 1481

172 MAR 1940

Registry Number

1481/177/10

FROM Colonial Office.

No.

53838/35/40

Dated 29th Feb: 1940

}1st

Received 11st Mar: 1940 in Registry

F.China.

Last Paper.

EM25

F 13014/3361/6

References as a

Release and repatriation of Chinese soldiers detained at Hong Kong.

Refers to Foreign Office letter of August 18th 1939 (F 8682/3361/10)

Transmits copy of a despatch No.2 of January 18th from the Governor of Hong Kong regarding the release and repatriation of the Chinese soldiers at present interned in that Colony. Their internment is a self imposed obligation undertaken by His Majesty's Govern- ment but not strinctly required by international law. Suggests that the soldiers be released in groups and assisted to return home. The Japanese Government might be informed before the releases begin. Encloses copy of a further despatch of January 18th reporting the escape of two soldiers.

(Minutes.)

(Print.)

We

do not

want

to

Swe

the Japse

Cause

for annoyance

at present,

if cos

Сами

help it

I dors

seam, however,

that

they

Page 256

(How disposed of.)

Yee Yakyo

Wort>

should

to the release of

max 6 imprisoned

lpted S'har No1g3

Gov. Hong Kong

14) C.9

8/0.0.

mas 8

w.o. (major Chapman)

(Action completed)

Jan. 13,

1941

(Index.)

флом

Next Paper.

51741

in

not object very much

the

when

at present

Hong Kong. We should,

however, consult Sir R. Gaigie before

We

V

agree

во

to the EE. Gort of Hong Kong

taking the action

the action they auggest. It is a

pity

that the Governor does not mumber

his despatches. Sir 1F179/3

J. Bo Lapuf pose ваний ры

20009 9/39 $0.1.

Page 256

572

Henniker Major.

4/3.

Shortly

Page 256