FO371-46253 — Page 153

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Your Ref: CWH

Hong Kong Planning Unit,

2, Park Street, W.1.

15th August, 1945.

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24

کچه

Dear Mr. Hayden,

Thank you very much for your letter of August 14th forwarding the names of members of your staff whom you have earmarked for entry into Hong Kong as soon as possible. You already know from me unofficially that our policy in regard to Hong Kong is to deal with banks, of whatever nationality, on terms of equality except insofar as certain banks may have a note issuing function under the military authorities.

As soon as it is possible, therefore, to permit the staff of banks previously established in the Colony to re-enter and take care of their own interests, you and the other banks concerned will be informed.

At the present moment the situation is obscure, and our plans are uncertain, but I think the best bet is to get your men to Manila, from where we can conveniently call them forward at the right time.

I know you will understand my dealing with this matter in unofficial correspondence in view of the present circumstances. I would greatly appreciate if I could rely on you to convey the gist of this letter to your colleagues in the Chase Bank and American Express.

With best wishes,

Yours sincerely,

Carl W. Hayden, Esq.,

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(Sgd.) D.M. MacDougall

Supervisor of London Branches,

The National City Bank of New York.

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