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35446

177 10

K

JUL

LIMITED DISTRIBUTION.

Decypher. His Majesty's Consul-General (Manila).

D. 12.25 a.m.

R.

7.55 a.m.

10th July, 1940.

11th July, 1940.

11th July, 1940.

297

No. 16.

IMPORTANT.

Addressed to the Governor of Hongkong No. 3.

I am in receipt of letter from the High Commissioner

stating that Hongkong evacuees were admitted to the Philippines on the understanding that they would remain here only temporarily en route for other destinations and that they would not become public charges. Evacuees have doubled Caucasian population and there is a housing shortage, while serious shortage of food for Europeans will probably develop within a month. In addition there is the possibility of some 2,000 American nationals being evacuated here from Hongkong which would further complicate the situation.

2. In view of the above considerations he requests me to take steps to expedite movement of evacuees at the earliest possible moment. He adds he understands several ships which might be used are now lying idle in Netherlands East Indies ports.

3. I fully endorse the High Commissioner's views, and am replying that I have made representations to you of the urgency of re-evacuation of Hongkong women and children from the Philippines. I added that I could reassure him that His Majesty's Government and Hongkong Government guaranteed that none of the evacuees would become public charges in the Philippines.

4. I understand the High Commissioner has made representa- tions to the State Department.

Repeated to Foreign Office and Ambassador washington 16.

F3

way

with

was asked

This is a

cause piction serious problem which the U.S.A.. In our telegram No 1234 Lothian to enquire whether the Is. God would allow evacuation to manila "at least as a first step" the idea being that some of the evacuees would later be sent to Australia (and others presumably to Canada) Harry) (major stess)

Q. Copy to Go, Adly, and won for obs.

Consulat Dope

American Dept.

Ch. Whitamsh

12/7.

sent immediate

by hand

See also U.S. reply in wash. tel 20.1143

at K in F3481.

1.8.7. Gage

1617

KALY

Copy also to Do.

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