FO371-46254 — Page 89

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Kako

CIPHER TELEGRAM

78

This message will not be distributed outside British Government Departments or Headquarters or re-transmitted, even in cipher, without being paraphrased. (Messages marked O.T.P. need not be paraphrased).

340856.

124/Hong Kong/5

Recd. 291245 Aug.45.

From:-

H... British Troops in China.

DTU 291215 H..

To:-

SACSEA

Info.

C. io C. India.

The ar Office."

6336

ORD SFD 1945

C. in C. British Pacific Fleet (SACSEA pass) NA Chungking (for Admiral Harcourt).

IMPORTANT.

not yet rid

G/1917/S cipher 29 August RESTRICTED.

Ref SAC 19779 of Aug 241605.

1. Chinese DMI in course of conversation yesterday in reference reoccupation Hong Kong by British forces stressed serious nature of famine conditions there existing. According to him Jap troops and local civil population receive average only eight ounces rice daily against twenty four received by Chinese soldiers.

2. Although no rice famine is anticipated

Canton area it will not (repeat not) be possible supply Hong Kong from there owing lack of local water transport. Bulk has been destroyed by bombing. DMI therefore

stressed vital importance shipping rice to Hong Kong

immediately on reoccupation. He stated ample supplies exist in Saigon area.

Note by C.6.Tels. SAC 19779 cannot be identified.

C.6. Telegrams.

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