FO371-46254 — Page 110

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(F 6363/1147/10).

Dear Walsh Atkins,

FOREIGN OFFICE, S.K.1.

923

9th September, 1945.

I have seen Marrs' letter of the 22nd August (C.R.T. 8224/45) to you about foreign firms in Burma.

agreed in Scott's letter to Johnston

(F 4032/2939/61) of the 4th August that foreign firms should not by reason of their connexion with the Civil Supplies Organization be enabled to get ahead of their British competitors.

We must also however consider the interests of British firms in China. Now that Japan has surrendered they are all very anxious to get back and resume possession of their properties as early as possible. It is fairly certain that, if Chinese merchants have difficulties put in the way of their return to Hangoon, Singapore, etc., the Chinese Government will make difficulties for our people in China, and of course facilities granted in the one case will reap corresponding returns in the other. We hope that this aspect will be borne in mind and that Chinese merchants will be allowed to return to British territories at an early date, and, as far as possible, pari passu with British merchants. I do not think the Chinese Government are likely to be satisfied if a few Chinese firms are used in connexion with civil projects in Burma or Malaya.

Please refer also to Chungking telegram No. 1028 (Foreign office reference F 6363/1147/10) of the 4th

L.B. Walsh Atkins, Esq.,

Burma Office.

September/

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