FO371-24688 — Page 364

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177 (F_5193/45/10)

Dear Gent,

FORSIGN OFFICE, S. 1.

26th November, 1940.

At an interview with Sir Horace Seymour on the 8th November, the hinese Ambassador reverted to the question of the proposed restrictions on i migration into Hong Kong. He said that he had had a talk on the subject with Sir Geoffrey Northoote, who is shortly returning to liong Kong, and asked whether action could not be suspended until the latter had arrived back in the Colony.

Sir Horace Seymour informed Dr. luo that having examined the report out of which these proposals had arisen, he was greatly impressed by the fact that the population of the new torritorien vas rapidly increasing, and that in the abunce of proper accommodation, conditions under which thene immigranta were living wure very bad, and he also pointed out that Hong Kong in present circumstances had to sale eome

He dertook, obvious precautions against over-orowding, however, to enquire whether it could be possible to dolay action on the new 3111 until the Governor had returned to his post.

undertaking.

3. This letter is in fulfilment of that But we do no more than make the enquiry, since we feel that it is for you to judge whether the Mill

12 ou should be delayed ponding the Governor's return. docide against delay we shall have no objection, in view of the urgency of the 3111 ag a efence measure, on the understanding that the O.A.G. will refer home before

d. 2. J. Gent, Esq., .B.U., C.B.E.

Colonial Office.

finally/

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