FO371-24688 — Page 141

doy

юль

From: G.0.C. Hong Kong.

To

The War Office.

IMMEDIATE.

7550 cipher 23/7.

Page 141

MADEXED

SECRET.

3628

177 10

340

Desp.1504 23/7/40. Recd.1200 23/7/40.

さ

to Australia.

In continuation my 7512 17/7.

Ship Awatea allotted for transport of women and children

Ship converted to transport and although stated to be suitable

for conveyance of 960 women and children for a long voyage through tropics

am doubtful whether this number can be carried with due regard to health and

reasonable comfort of officer and other ranks families.

Understand bunks have

Doubtless

been fitted in public rooms and in enclosed spaces on decks.

suitable for troops but not for women with small children, As am unable to

cend officers with trooping experience have obtained service of local experts

from shipping companies to assist in berthing. R.A.M.C. officers being sent

to Manila for duty as ships medical officers on voyage to Australia. Have

instructed S.M.0. on advice of civilian experts to refuse to embark numbers

in excess of those which he considers can be accommodated with reasonable

comfort observing the conditions of the voyage.

C.4. (Telegrams)

To Q(M)2. (for action)

Copies to: Q.M.G.

D.M.O & F. D.D.M.0.(0). M.0.1.2.2a, 2b. M.I.2.20. D.G.A.M.S. D. of Q. Q.2.

CK. fhitamok

24/7

Consulador

9(0).

D. of Mov,

Q(M)1.2.2c.3.

D.F. (C).

F.1.2.

Q.M.G.F. (Shipping).

D. of S.T. Ministry of Shipping. War Registry (Admiralty).

Colonial Office (Mr.Poynton).

Foreign Office (Mr.Ashley-Clarke). Dominions Office (Mr.Dixon).

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