FO371-46251 — Page 78

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SECRET

Copy No. 4.

64

To: H.B.M. Military Attache,

From:

British Embassy,

Chungking.

Commandant, B.A.A.G.,

China.

Ref.i

Ref.: G/70.

Date: 25 Apr 45.

Subject: REOCCUPATION OF HONGKONG

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MACAO PLANS.

Further to my former communication of the a/m subject (cipher signal G/84 dated 29 Mar 45 refers) the following report has just been received from our representa- tive in MACAO dated 10 Mar 45.

2.

The British Consul during February has organised two committees, one called "Executive Committee" to lay down proposals and plans for the coming reoccupation of HONGKONG. The plans and proposals, according to information close to him are "to be transmitted to the Foreign Office and the CHUNGKING Embassy, and these two committees are fully chartered and authorized by the governing bodies in LONDON, from whom alone he receives his orders".

Comment by Source:- This move created some consternation in MACAO, and not only the MACAO Government but also the Japs as well pay very close attention to their activities. Personnel consist of (former HONGKONG barrister at law) LEO D'ALMADA, (former bank staff) SOARES, some doctors, and other prominent business men in HONGKONG.

There have already been wild rumours how these two committees will "function" on going back to HONGKONG, how the new British HONGKONG Government will loan money to shareholders and estate holders (making a boom in former HONGKONG utility shares and stocks), how new business will be as free as before and so on.

Headquarters, B.A.A.G., LTR/hmk Kunming.

(sgd.) Ride Distribution

Colonel,

Commandant, British Army Aid Group.

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