FO371-24688 — Page 166

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No. 32/1932/308.

K/G:EB.

CFY.

363

Government House,

Hon Kong,

SICK T.

SLEM HAND.

Sir,

14th August, 1939.

I have the lioncur to inform you that this

Government has prepared a scheme (of which a copy is

enclosed) for the evacuation of European women and

children from Hong Kong in the event of war occurring

which may render the Colony liable to full siege

conditions.

2.

This scheme would be put into effect as far

as possible immediately on the receipt of the "stand-

by" telegram from the Secretary of State for the

Colonies, who has informed me that his majesty's

Government in the Commonwealth of Australia be stated

Ght they will be glad to co-operate in arren ing

temporary reception of evacuees if necessary in

Australia. The 1 h Commissioner for the nited

Kingdom in Australia. has accordingly now been addressed

with a view to concerting the necessary detailed

arrangements.

3.

evacuees

It might however be necessary to 08 tch

#3 first stage to Manila in euch small ships.

as may be available here, the intention being that they

should proceed on their journey se other shiping became

available. The Secretary of State has informed me that

the Government of the 'nited States of America has

iniiented orally that in case of emorgency evacuees

would doubtless be permitted to enter the Philippines

His Britannicajesty's Consul-General,

A“ILA.

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