FO371-46255 — Page 125

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CIPHER TELEGRAM

b72856

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).

From:

Admiralty

ONE TIME PAD

D.T.0. 091517A F 6995

IMPORTANT

To:

C-in-C. Hong Kong.

Following fra War Office

14 SEP 1945

SECRET

Cipher C4/8

Following for Mc.Dougall

Following telegrans received from Embassy Chungking:-

F. 934/149/10.

No. 964 to Foreign Office DTO. 281036/GMT AUG.

BEGINS.

After consultation with General Hayes here it has been decided that I proceed to Yunnanfu and report to Ride with a view to early entry into Hong Kong. Johnstone has arrangements in hand for assembling available medical staff. ENDS.

.6138/-/10.

No.970 to Foreign Office DTO. 310815/GMT. AUG.

BEGINS.

Following for Colonial Office from King & Johnstone.

We have approached about 50 medical and sanitary personnel. There may be some delay due to difficulty of contacting these people and time taken to secure exit permits.

2.

We are telegraphing contact in Hingning to request all medical and sanitary personnel in that area to return to Hong Kong incdiately, authorising him to issue minimum travelling expenses. We have informed all that dependents will not be permitted to return to Hong Kong at present.

3.

We have advised IM and IP at last known address to return to Hong Kong immediately. Whereabouts of Fung and Li unknown.

4.

What if any allowances are to be made to dependents who rust remain in free China for the time? Will transport be provided for dependents when return to Hong Kong booomes possible?

5.

It is estimted that there are in free China 2,000 to

Dependents 3,000 ex Hong Kong officials who expect re-employment. my number 10,000, loanted mostly in Kuangtung, Kuangsi, Kiangsi, Kunan and Kweichow.

6.

Problem of repatriation generally and maintenance of dependents promises to be a big one and we suggest that a senior official of the Colonial Office be sent to Chungking as soon as possible to decide on the spot all issues which any arise. Majesty's Ambassador concurs.

His

17.

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